Are Oura Rings or Garmin Trackers HSA Eligible?

Generally, no — fitness trackers like the Oura Ring and Garmin devices are not HSA-eligible as standard purchases. The IRS considers them general health and wellness products, not qualified medical expenses. However, there is an important exception.

The General Rule

Under IRS guidelines, an expense qualifies for HSA reimbursement only if it is primarily for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of a specific disease or medical condition — not for general health maintenance or fitness. Since most wearable fitness trackers are marketed as general wellness devices, they fall outside this definition and are not reimbursable with HSA funds by default.

The Exception: Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN)

If a licensed physician prescribes a wearable tracker to monitor or manage a specific diagnosed medical condition, it may become HSA-eligible. Examples where a doctor might prescribe a tracker include:

• Monitoring heart rate irregularities or atrial fibrillation (AFib)
• Tracking sleep disorders such as sleep apnea
• Managing chronic conditions like diabetes, where activity monitoring is part of a treatment plan
• Cardiac rehabilitation or recovery monitoring

In these cases, you would need a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your doctor stating the diagnosis and why the device is medically required. Keep this letter and your receipt with your tax records.

Oura Ring vs. Garmin — Is There a Difference?

From an HSA eligibility standpoint, neither the Oura Ring nor Garmin trackers are treated differently — both are considered general wellness devices by the IRS. The same LMN exception applies to both. Neither brand currently has automatic HSA eligibility without a physician's prescription.

What About FSA?

The same rules apply to Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Fitness trackers are not eligible without a Letter of Medical Necessity.

How to Check Your Plan

Every HSA administrator handles documentation requirements slightly differently. Before submitting a claim:

• Contact your HSA administrator to confirm what documentation they require
• Ask your doctor whether an LMN is appropriate for your situation
• Reference the IRS Publication 502 for the full list of qualified medical expenses

Have Questions About Your HSA Plan?

Our licensed agents can help you find an HSA-eligible health plan that works for you. Get a free quote online or call us at 312.726.6565 to speak with an agent today.