Investing in your wellness: Will health insurance pay for a hot tub or sauna?

Cardiovascular and circulatory support

Hot tubs and saunas don’t just feel good—they may also offer cardiovascular benefits. The Cleveland Clinic has reported that warm water immersion can gently elevate your heart rate, mimicking the effects of moderate exercise. Likewise, the Mayo Clinic has published findings that indicate sauna use may improve vascular function and circulation.

A 2018 study published in the “Journal of Human Hypertension” also found that regular sauna bathing was associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular-related mortality. While saunas are not a substitute for regular exercise, they may serve as a valuable complement—particularly for those who are unable to engage in high-impact activities due to age, pain, or injury.

Insurance coverage: Is a hot tub or sauna covered by health insurance?

So, while these benefits sound wonderful whether you have to pay for a sauna or hot tub out of pocket or not, you may still be wondering, “Can you use health insurance to pay for a hot tub or sauna?”

Unfortunately, the short answer is usually not. In most cases, health insurance plans—whether private, employer-based, or government-provided—do not cover the cost of luxury wellness items like hot tubs and saunas, even if they are used for medical reasons.

However, that doesn’t mean it’s entirely off the table. There are a few exceptions and workarounds worth exploring.

Medical necessity: A path toward coverage

If your healthcare provider determines that a hot tub or sauna is medically necessary to treat or manage a diagnosed condition, there’s a chance—however slim—that your insurance company may offer partial coverage or reimbursement. You would typically need the following:

• A formal prescription or letter of medical necessity from your physician.
• Documentation that outlines how the hot tub or sauna supports a specific medical condition.
• Proof that the item is part of an ongoing treatment plan or physical therapy program.

For example, if you have arthritis or fibromyalgia and your doctor recommends regular hydrotherapy or infrared heat therapy as part of your treatment, you may qualify for assistance—especially if the hot tub or sauna use replaces or supplements other medical treatments.

Even then, insurance approval is not guaranteed and can vary significantly based on your plan provider and coverage level.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

This is one area where many find success: If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you may be able to use these funds to purchase a hot tub or sauna if it’s considered a qualified medical expense.

To do this, you’ll need:

• A doctor’s prescription stating that the product is necessary for the treatment of a specific health issue.
• Possibly additional documentation or approval from your HSA or FSA administrator.

It’s worth noting that not all hot tubs or saunas will qualify—especially if they are considered luxury or general wellness purchases rather than medically necessary items. Again, documentation is key.

Be sure to check with your HSA or FSA provider and review IRS Publication 502 for more details on qualified medical expenses.

Why it’s still worth the investment—even without insurance coverage

Even if your insurance won’t pay for your hot tub or sauna, that doesn’t mean the investment isn’t worth making. In fact, many people find that these wellness tools quickly pay for themselves in terms of comfort, improved health, and reduced reliance on medications or in-person treatments—not to mention the incredible benefits of connecting with family and socializing with friends.

Long-term physical benefits

Hot tubs and saunas encourage regular self-care and maintenance of your physical health. Whether you’re managing chronic pain or recovering from injury, the consistent heat therapy provided can promote faster healing, greater mobility, and more restful sleep.

Stress and sleep management

Better sleep alone is reason enough to consider a hot tub or sauna. Immersing yourself in warm water or gentle heat before bed can help reduce nighttime stress, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, a drop in core body temperature helps initiate sleep. Hot tubs and saunas can elevate your body temperature temporarily, leading to a natural drop afterward that promotes drowsiness.

Cost-effective wellness at home

Rather than spending thousands on recurring massages, chiropractic visits, or pain-relief therapies, you can access heat therapy on your own schedule, in your own space. Over time, that savings adds up.

Plus, owning your own Jacuzzi® Hot Tub or Jacuzzi® Infrared Sauna gives you the freedom to enjoy daily therapy without commuting to a spa or clinic. When its right in your own home or backyard, you’re more likely to use it regularly, which is where the real value lies.

Choosing a hot tub or sauna with wellness in mind

If you’re thinking about investing in a hot tub or sauna to support your health, here are a few tips to ensure you choose a high-quality model:

• Look for advanced, high-quality features, and exclusive innovations: Consider hot tubs with advanced hydrotherapy jets and infrared and red light therapy, or saunas with full-spectrum infrared heaters for targeted relief.
• Choose a trusted brand: A well-respected manufacturer such as the Jacuzzi® brand offers decades of innovation in hydrotherapy and heat wellness.
• Seek customizable options: Look for programmable temperature controls, ergonomic seating, and easy access features—especially if mobility is a concern.
• Review warranty and support: A good product comes with a solid warranty and knowledgeable customer support, which will matter if it becomes part of your wellness routine.

It’s important to remember that while a Jacuzzi® Hot Tub or Jacuzzi® Infrared Sauna is not intended to cure any medical conditions, it may help support your well-being as part of a broader wellness plan—and help you live well with chronic pain, stress, stiffness, or fatigue.

While the path to insurance reimbursement for a hot tub or sauna is narrow, the long-term value these tools offer your physical and mental well-being is immeasurable. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, high stress, insomnia, or post-workout soreness, the power of heat therapy is undeniable.

Health insurance may not pay for a hot tub or sauna outright—but your body, mind, and quality of life just might thank you for the investment.

Disclaimer: Jacuzzi® is a registered trademark of Jacuzzi Group. All rights reserved.



Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with questions regarding any medical condition.