How the Savings Actually Work
Most people don’t know this: that $3,000 sauna you’ve been eyeing might only cost you $1,800–$2,100 out of pocket. If you have a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account through your employer, you may be able to purchase a home sauna with pre-tax dollars, effectively saving 30-40% depending on your tax bracket.
HSA and FSA accounts hold pre-tax dollars. When you spend from these accounts on qualified medical expenses, you never pay income tax on that money. The savings equal your marginal tax rate.
And those numbers don’t include state income tax savings, which can add another 5-10% in high-tax states like California or New York.
HSA vs FSA: Which One Do You Have?
Health Savings Account (HSA): Available if you have a high-deductible health plan. Funds roll over year to year. There’s no deadline to spend them. You can contribute up to $4,400 per individual or $8,750 per family in 2026. HSA funds grow tax-free and stay in your account even if you change employers.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Offered by your employer regardless of plan type. The critical difference: FSA funds typically expire at the end of the calendar year. Use it or lose it. You can contribute up to $3,400 per individual in 2026.
If you’re not sure which you have, check with your HR department or log into your benefits portal. Many people have HSA/FSA accounts they’ve barely touched.
Who Qualifies
A company called TrueMed has built the infrastructure to make HSA/FSA sauna purchases seamless. They partner with sauna retailers, handle the medical review at checkout, and issue a Letter of Medical Necessity on your behalf. No doctor’s appointment needed, just a 3-minute health survey.
Chronic pain: back pain, joint pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia.
Cardiovascular concerns: high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, cardiovascular disease risk.
Stress, anxiety, and depression: sauna bathing triggers endorphin release and activates the parasympathetic nervous system.
Muscle recovery: chronic tension, exercise recovery, sports-related soreness.
Chronic fatigue syndrome: infrared sauna therapy has been studied with positive results.
Inflammatory conditions: rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic inflammation.
You don’t need every condition on this list. A single qualifying diagnosis is enough. Given that roughly 60% of American adults have at least one chronic condition, the majority of sauna buyers will qualify.
How to Actually Do It
Path 1: Buy from a TrueMed Partner Retailer
Many top sauna retailers, including Almost Heaven, Select Saunas, Nordica Sauna, and Sun Home Saunas, have TrueMed built into their checkout.
1. Add your sauna to cart and proceed to checkout.
2. Select ‘TrueMed - Pay with HSA/FSA’ as your payment option. Important: check out as a guest if you’re auto-logged into Shop Pay.
3. Complete a 3-minute health survey. TrueMed matches you with a licensed provider.
4. Receive your Letter of Medical Necessity within 24-48 hours.
5. Pay with your HSA/FSA debit card. Done.
If your HSA/FSA doesn’t have enough funds for the full purchase, you can pay with a regular credit card and submit for reimbursement afterward. There’s no cost to you for using TrueMed when shopping with a partner retailer.
Path 2: Get an LMN from Your Own Doctor
If you’re buying from a retailer without TrueMed, you can obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity from your healthcare provider directly. Schedule an appointment, explain your condition and how sauna therapy supports treatment, and request the letter. Then submit the LMN and receipt to your HSA/FSA administrator for reimbursement. This path works but takes more effort.
Our Recommended HSA/FSA-Eligible Saunas
Both infrared and traditional saunas can qualify. The Letter of Medical Necessity covers the equipment based on your condition, not the heating technology.
3-person hybrid with Harvia 6KW stove + full spectrum infrared. Himalayan salt bar, galaxy star lighting, converts to heated yoga space. After HSA/FSA: ~$6,600–$7,000.
$9,999
1-2 person low EMF infrared, 6 carbon heating panels, chromotherapy lighting, Bluetooth. Plugs into any standard outlet. After HSA/FSA: ~$2,310–$2,450.
$3,499
2-3 person traditional indoor sauna with Harvia stove. Canadian Red Cedar interior, 190°F operating temp. After HSA/FSA: ~$5,280–$5,600.
$7,999
4-person barrel sauna, Harvia stove, Canadian Red Cedar. A statement piece for the backyard. After HSA/FSA: ~$5,280–$5,600.
$7,999
Common Questions
Is this legal?
Yes. HSA and FSA accounts were created by the IRS specifically for qualified medical expenses. A Letter of Medical Necessity from a licensed provider makes a sauna a qualified expense. TrueMed’s process is designed around IRS compliance.
What if I’m not approved?
You simply pay with a regular payment method. You can reapply later if your health circumstances change. No penalty for being denied.
What if my HSA/FSA doesn’t cover the full amount?
You can split the payment. Use HSA/FSA for what it covers and pay the balance with a credit card. You can also submit for reimbursement later.
Do I need to keep records?
Yes. Keep your Letter of Medical Necessity and purchase receipt together. The IRS recommends retaining HSA/FSA records for at least three years.
When should I buy to maximize savings?
If you have an FSA, buy before December 31st to use funds that would otherwise expire. HSA funds roll over indefinitely, so there’s no deadline, but buying sooner means getting the health benefits sooner.
This content is informational only and does not constitute medical advice. Read our full disclaimer.
