Here’s What Parents Need to Know

Wrestling parents know that training expenses can add up quickly. Between gym memberships, wrestling club fees, strength training programs, and specialized coaching, the financial commitment can feel overwhelming. But what if you could use pre-tax dollars from a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to cover some of these costs?

While gym memberships—including wrestling gyms—don’t usually qualify as an eligible medical expense, there is a way they might be covered. If a doctor prescribes exercise as a necessary medical treatment, the membership may become HSA/FSA eligible with proper documentation.

If you are wondering whether your wrestler’s gym membership can be covered through your HSA or FSA, this guide will walk you through the process, including what qualifies, what steps to take, and how to maximize your chances of approval.

Understanding HSA and FSA Funds

Before diving into how to use HSA or FSA funds for a gym membership, it’s important to understand what these accounts are and how they work.

An HSA (Health Savings Account) and an FSA (Flexible Spending Account) allow individuals to set aside pre-tax money for qualifying medical expenses. These funds can be used for doctor visits, prescriptions, medical procedures, and certain wellness-related expenses. However, general fitness expenses—like gym memberships—are not automatically covered.

The exception is when a licensed physician prescribes a gym membership as part of a treatment plan for a specific medical condition. If this happens, you may be able to use HSA/FSA funds to cover the cost of a wrestling gym membership—but only if you follow the correct process.

Steps to Get HSA/FSA to Cover a Gym Membership

Step 1: Obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a Doctor

The first and most important step in making a gym membership HSA/FSA eligible is obtaining a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a licensed physician.

This letter must:

Clearly state that the gym membership is a prescribed treatment for a medical condition.
Specify the diagnosed medical condition requiring exercise (e.g., obesity, diabetes, heart disease, rehabilitation from an injury).
Differentiate that the gym membership is not for general fitness, but instead is a necessary medical intervention.

Without an LMN, HSA/FSA providers will not approve the expense.

Step 2: Submit the LMN to Your HSA/FSA Provider

Once you have the LMN from your doctor, you will need to submit it to your HSA or FSA provider for approval. Each provider has its own policies, so it’s important to check their specific requirements.

Some providers may:

Require additional documentation beyond the LMN.
Ask for a renewal of the LMN every 6–12 months to confirm continued medical necessity.
Deny the expense if it doesn’t clearly meet IRS guidelines, which is why the LMN must be as specific as possible.

If you’re unsure about the requirements, call your provider before submitting the LMN to ensure you have all necessary paperwork.

Step 3: Use an HSA/FSA Card for Payment

If the gym membership is approved, you can pay directly using your HSA or FSA card. This allows you to use pre-tax dollars, reducing the overall cost of training expenses.

If your provider does not allow direct payment, you may need to:

Pay for the membership out of pocket.
Submit receipts and documentation for reimbursement.

It is critical to keep copies of all receipts, medical documentation, and approvals in case your claim is reviewed or audited later.

Can This Apply to Wrestling Gyms?

Yes, wrestling clubs and training facilities can potentially qualify under these rules. If a doctor prescribes wrestling training as part of a structured exercise program to treat a specific medical condition, you may be able to use HSA/FSA funds for:

Strength and conditioning programs
Wrestling-specific training centers
Functional fitness and movement therapy programs within wrestling clubs

However, if the wrestling club or gym is simply for competition, skill development, or general fitness, it will not qualify. The key is having medical documentation that proves it is part of a prescribed treatment plan.

What Expenses Will NOT Qualify?

Even with an LMN, some gym-related expenses will not be covered by HSA/FSA accounts. These include:

General gym memberships without a medical prescription.
Youth sports participation fees, including wrestling clubs unless tied to a medical condition.
Personal training costs, unless specifically prescribed for rehabilitation.
Fitness classes, unless part of an approved treatment plan.

If you try to submit an expense that doesn’t meet IRS guidelines, your claim may be denied, and you might have to pay taxes and penalties on the withdrawn funds.

Is It Worth Trying to Use HSA/FSA Funds for a Wrestling Gym Membership?

For most wrestlers, a gym membership alone will not qualify as an eligible medical expense under HSA/FSA rules. However, if your child has a medical condition that requires structured physical activity, and a doctor is willing to write a Letter of Medical Necessity, it may be possible to get partial or full coverage for training costs.

If you believe your wrestler qualifies, the best approach is to:

Talk to your doctor and request an LMN with clear medical reasoning.
Check with your HSA/FSA provider about specific documentation requirements.
Keep all receipts and paperwork to ensure compliance with IRS regulations.

While not every family will be able to use this strategy, those who qualify can save money on training expenses while ensuring their wrestler gets the physical activity they need. Even if HSA/FSA funds can’t be used, wrestling remains one of the best investments you can make in your child’s health, discipline, and personal development.