How to Use Your FSA & HSA to Pay for HBOT: A Complete Guide

If you’re wondering whether your FSA or HSA can be used for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy… the answer is YES.

And in 2025, more people than ever are using tax-free funds to start or complete their HBOT protocols — whether for surgical recovery, chronic pain and fatigue, autoimmune conditions, Long COVID, neurological healing, or overall performance and wellness.

FSA deadlines sneak up fast. HSA accounts quietly accumulate. Meanwhile, many patients don’t realize that HBOT is covered under qualified medical expenses and can dramatically improve outcomes for dozens of conditions.

Let’s walk through how to use your FSA or HSA for HBOT this year, what’s covered, what documentation you need, and why now is the ideal time to start treatment.

What Makes HBOT an FSA/HSA-Eligible Medical Expense?

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is not a spa treatment or a “wellness perk.” It is a medical therapy recognized by the FDA, physicians, and insurance guidelines for multiple conditions. Under IRS Publication 502 (the official rulebook for medical deductions), HBOT qualifies as an eligible medical expense because:

1. It can address specific medical conditions
HBOT is used for post-surgical healing, non-healing wounds, infection recovery, inflammation reduction, TBI and Concussion treatment, and more.

2. It requires medical supervision
HBOT at MD Hyperbaric is delivered in clinical-grade, hard-shell chambers, overseen by medical professionals.

3. It meets the criteria for therapeutic intervention
The therapy directly improves tissue oxygenation, reduces inflammation, and accelerates healing — all measurable medical outcomes.

So if you’ve got tax-free funds sitting in an account? HBOT is one of the smartest ways to apply them.

What Conditions Qualify HBOT for FSA/HSA Use?

You can use FSA and HSA funds for HBOT when it’s being used to support recovery from a health condition. Here are the most common uses for our patients:

Post-Surgical Recovery

Plastic surgery (lipo, tummy tuck, facelift, breast procedures)
Orthopedic surgery (ACL, rotator cuff, spine, joint)
Skin grafts or flaps
Cosmetic surgery when linked to documented medical needs (ask us — we can help you navigate this)

Wound Healing & Tissue Repair

Radiation injury
Diabetic wounds
Chronic non-healing wounds

Neurological Conditions

Concussion & TBI
Migraines
Brain fog
Cognitive decline
Neuropathy
PTSD
Mental Health

Inflammatory & Autoimmune Issues

RA, Hashimoto’s, IBD
Crohn’s Disease
Chronic pain and fatigue
Long COVID fatigue and breathlessness

Performance, Longevity & Recovery

Increasingly, patients in their 40s, 50s & 60s use HBOT to support:

If a licensed medical provider recommends HBOT for a diagnosed illness or condition (e.g., non-healing wound, radiation injury, certain neurological conditions) and there’s documentation, then you have a strong basis to argue the expense is “medical care.”

You’ll want to ensure that the HBOT treatment meets the criteria of being primarily used to treat/mitigate a medical condition (vs. purely “wellness” or “general health” improvement). Because the IRS draws a distinction between medical treatment vs. general health/improvement.

Lastly, make sure your HSA and FSA plan allows it (some plans have lists of eligible providers/treatments or require pre-approval).

How to Pay for HBOT Using Your FSA or HSA (Step-by-Step)

Here’s the good news: it’s simple. And MD Hyperbaric makes it even easier.

STEP 1 — Confirm Your FSA/HSA Card Is Active

Most patients can simply swipe their FSA or HSA debit card at checkout — just like a regular payment method.

If your plan requires pre-approval or receipts, we’ll provide everything needed.

STEP 2 — Schedule a medical consultation

You’ll meet with our clinical team to:

Review symptoms or surgical plans
Understand your goals
Learn more about HBOT to determine whether it’s right for you
Receive personalized treatment protocol recommendations

This visit can serve as documentation of medical necessity for your FSA/HSA.

STEP 3 — Start your HBOT protocol

Once your personalized plan is created, you can use your tax-free funds to finance your personalized protocol.

Yes — treatment packages are eligible.
This is especially beneficial if you want to use year-end FSA funds that would otherwise expire.

STEP 4 — Keep your receipts (we do the documentation for you)

We provide:

Itemized invoices
Treatment summaries
Documentation supporting medical necessity
Dates of service

This makes it painless if your FSA administrator ever requests verification.

Understanding FSA vs HSA Rules for HBOT (Important Differences)

FSAs and HSAs both cover HBOT — but their rules differ.

FSA Rules (Flexible Spending Account)

“Use it or lose it” — unused funds typically expire 12/31
Some plans offer a small rollover (but many do NOT)
Perfect for using up end-of-year funds
Great for package purchases (10, 20, 40 sessions)

HSA Rules (Health Savings Account)

Ideal for longer protocols or ongoing treatment
Money rolls over indefinitely
Contributions can be invested
Funds can be used anytime with no expiration

How Much of HBOT Does FSA/HSA Cover?

With very few exceptions, FSAs and HSAs cover 100% of HBOT expenses when medically indicated.

This includes:

Initial consultation
Individual sessions
Session packages
Treatment plans for surgery, injury, illness, or long-term conditions

If you’re unsure, bring your card — we’ll check it for you.

Why Using Your FSA/HSA for HBOT May Be Right For You

You’ve already earned the money. Taxes already took a bite.

Your FSA or HSA gives you one chance to get that money back — tax-free — and use it on something that enhances your health.

And HBOT isn’t a one-and-done treatment. It builds real, cumulative changes in your:

Energy
Inflammation levels
Cognitive function
Healing speed
Immune balance
Recovery capacity

You’re using tax-free dollars to create long-term biological ROI.

That’s a smart move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is HBOT FSA eligible?

Yes — HBOT is an FSA-eligible medical expense.

Is HBOT HSA eligible?

Yes. HSAs cover HBOT in full when treating a medical condition.

Do I need a doctor’s note?

Not always. Many plans accept direct payment. If yours requires documentation, we’ll prepare it.

Can I buy an HBOT package with FSA funds?

Absolutely — and most FSA patients do.

Can I use FSA/HSA for preventive or “wellness” HBOT?

If there is a documented medical purpose (fatigue, inflammation, recovery), it typically qualifies.

Do I have to finish all sessions before 12/31?

No — you just need to pay for your sessions or packages with FSA funds before the Dec 31 deadline. You can use them the following year.

Should You Use Your FSA or HSA for HBOT? (Final Word)

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is one of the few treatments that:

Incorporates an FDA-cleared medical device
Offers both immediate and long-term health benefits
Supports dozens of conditions backed by research
Qualifies for tax-free FSA/HSA coverage
Helps patients recover faster and feel better in a measurable way

If you’ve been considering HBOT, now is the time to start — especially if you’re sitting on unused FSA funds that would otherwise disappear on December 31.

Give the gift of HBOT and health to yourself! Use your tax-free dollars to fuel your healing and recovery on the road to better wellness!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or insurance advice. FSA/HSA plans may vary, please check with your provider. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for personal recommendations and check with your insurance company for current policy details.