No, athletic compression gear is not eligible for purchase with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). However, medical-grade compression garments may be eligible when used to treat a specific health condition.
Why Isn’t Athletic Compression FSA/HSA Eligible?
Athletic compression products—such as workout leggings, sleeves, or socks designed for performance, muscle recovery, or general comfort—are considered personal use items. As such, they do not qualify as medical expenses under IRS Code Section 213(d). To be eligible for reimbursement, a product must be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent a specific medical condition—not to support fitness or improve performance.
What’s Not Covered?
The following products are not eligible under FSA or HSA rules unless prescribed by a doctor for a medical condition:
Compression sleeves or tights for athletic use
Workout or recovery compression gear
Compression socks with low pressure ratings marketed for travel or fatigue prevention
Any item advertised for fitness, performance, or general wellness
These items are marketed primarily for personal comfort and do not meet the criteria for medical necessity on their own.
What May Be Covered Instead?
Not all compression stockings or garments are FSA/HSA eligible. To qualify for reimbursement, compression products must be:
Intended for medical use
Designed to treat a specific condition
Have a compression level of at least 30–40 mmHg
High-compression garments (30–40 mmHg or higher) are typically eligible, as they are used to manage or prevent health conditions like:
Venous insufficiency
Varicose veins
Lymphedema
Post-surgical recovery
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Compression gear with lower pressure ratings (e.g., 15–20 mmHg or 20–30 mmHg) may be eligible only if prescribed by a healthcare professional to treat a diagnosed medical condition. In these cases, a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is often required.
You can consult the SIGIS Eligible Product List Criteria to verify whether a compression item qualifies.
How to Buy Eligible Compression Garments with Your FSA or HSA
If your compression product meets the criteria above:
Purchase it from a retailer like buyFSA.com, where all products are eligible with an FSA or HSA card
Keep documentation of the product’s compression level and medical purpose
If required, obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity from your provider and save it for your plan administrator
If you’re unsure, contact your benefits provider to confirm your item’s eligibility before purchasing.
