Are massage chairs covered by FSA?

We all like to save money, and if you want to use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to buy a massage chair, you’re not alone. Many people dealing with chronic pain, muscle stiffness, or stress look for ways to make their purchase medically reimbursable.

Here’s the truth: For a massage chair to be covered, it must be considered medically necessary, not just a luxury or comfort item. The IRS defines eligible expenses as those primarily used to diagnose, treat, or prevent a medical condition, not for general relaxation.

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what makes a massage chair qualify, the paperwork you’ll need, and how to claim your FSA reimbursement properly. As shown in a screenshot below from the FSA Feds official site, massage therapy is covered by FSA, but massage chairs are eligible with appropriate documentation.

What does FSA eligibility mean?

An FSA (Flexible Spending Account) lets you set aside pre-tax money to pay for certain out-of-pocket healthcare costs. However, not every wellness product qualifies.

What are the FSA eligibility criteria for massage chairs

To make your massage chair FSA-eligible, you’ll need to meet all the following conditions:

• Medical purpose: The chair must treat a diagnosed medical condition (e.g., chronic back pain, fibromyalgia, or muscle stiffness).
•  Letter of medical necessity (LMN): You’ll need a written prescription or LMN from your healthcare provider explaining why the chair is part of your treatment plan.
• Therapeutic use only: The chair’s primary function must be for medical treatment, not just relaxation or convenience.
•  Plan verification: Every FSA plan differs slightly, so confirm with your provider before making the purchase.

Massage chairs that meet these requirements are often classified as Durable Medical Equipment (DME), making them eligible for reimbursement when properly documented.

Can you list massage chairs as medical devices?

We’re almost in 2026, and definitely YES! Massage chairs nowadays are more than just comfort devices; they’re backed by real medical research.
Clinical studies show that massage chair therapy can:

• Reduce musculoskeletal pain and stiffness.
• Improve blood circulation and mobility.
• Lower stress levels and mental fatigue.
• Enhance the quality of life in people dealing with chronic pain.

Or for example, in one study, pain reduction measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) showed significant improvement comparable to results from physiotherapy. A 2023 review also found that massage chairs improve cognitive function and mood, proving their therapeutic potential when used medically.

So, if you want to consider a massage chair as a medical device, you can certainly justify it. Even some new and luxury massage chairs, such as Niyak, include fingerprint sensors to check your:

• Heart rate
• Blood oxygen saturation
• Systolic blood pressure
• Diastolic blood pressure

How to use FSA for a massage chair purchase

If you plan to buy a massage chair using your FSA funds, here’s how to do it safely and correctly:

1. Get a letter of medical necessity (LMN) from your doctor explaining the condition and the therapeutic use.
2. Keep all receipts and documentation related to the purchase.
3. Submit the LMN and proof of payment to your FSA administrator for review.
4. Choose a medical-grade or therapeutic chair designed for chronic pain management rather than comfort-only models.

Following these steps will ensure your claim stands up to any verification process.