There’s nothing quite like relaxing in the sauna. It can be an amazing stress reliever and muscle relaxer. If you’re lucky enough to have one at the cottage or camp, you know just how refreshing it is to run from the sauna and jump in the lake! If you’re considering installing a sauna in your home, you might be wondering how it could impact your home insurance. Keep reading to learn more about home saunas and home insurance.
What to consider before installing a home sauna
In a nutshell, a sauna is a small room or building that uses steam and heat to make you sweat! People around the world have used saunas for centuries and they are increasingly popular across Canada. The English word “sauna” comes from an ancient Finnish word that refers to the traditional Finnish bath. Saunas are so popular in Finland, most people have a built-in sauna in their house!
Benefits of saunas
There are many proven health benefits of saunas:
- Using saunas is associated with lower markers of inflammation in the blood
- It can reduce high blood pressure
- Sauna use is associated with a decreased risk of pneumonia
- You can relieve symptoms of the common cold by taking a steam in the sauna
There are some people who should not use saunas. If you have recently had a heart attack, it might not be safe for you to use a sauna. Do not use a sauna if you have been drinking. If you are unsure if it’s safe for you to use a sauna, consult with your doctor.
Types of saunas
There are many different types of saunas. Here are a few of the most common:
Wood burning sauna
This is the most traditional form of Finnish sauna. Wood is used to heat sauna rocks which heats the room.
Electric sauna
This is the most common type of sauna today. They can be fairly easy to install with the help of an electrician.
Infrared sauna
This type of sauna uses infrared heaters to heat the surface of the skin. There is no water or steam used in this type of sauna. Infrared saunas are often used by athletes to warm up their muscles or relax tight muscles.
How a sauna may affect your home insurance
From the perspective of an insurance company, a sauna is like a swimming pool in the sense that it brings additional risk. Someone could slip and fall in the sauna. If they become injured, they might sue. A sauna could also cause structural damage. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get a sauna. It just means your insurance company might see your home as riskier, which means you might see an increase in your rate.
If you are considering a sauna, whether it’s inside or outside, talk to your insurance broker first. They’ll give you an idea of how it could impact your premium. You can factor that cost into your budget to make sure it’s still a good option.
Will home insurance cover damage from my sauna?
Every home insurance policy is different. However, if your home is damaged by your sauna due to leaks and mould, your home insurance policy may not cover it. That’s because it’s your responsibility to maintain the sauna. If you have a sauna or if you’re planning on getting one, talk to your insurance broker first to understand what is and isn’t covered. If you do go ahead and install the sauna, make sure you understand how to maintain and care for the sauna in order to prevent damage to your home.
Protect yourself with the right sauna insurance
A sauna can be a great addition to your home! However, make sure you’re aware of all the risks and costs associated with a sauna before you start steaming. Talk to a broker to understand exactly how a sauna can impact your home insurance.
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FAQs on getting home sauna insurance
Will my health insurance pay for an infrared sauna for my home?
It’s possible that your health insurance could cover a portion of an infrared sauna. Heat therapy can be prescribed for things like chronic fatigue, arthritis and fibromyalgia. Talk to your health insurance provider to find out if this is covered under your plan.
How much does home sauna insurance cost?
If you have a sauna, it could result in a higher home insurance premium. The exact price will vary depending on many factors such as where you live and your claims history. To determine your exact rate, or to find out how much your home insurance could increase by installing a sauna, talk to your insurance broker.
Why do property insurance rates go up for home additions like a sauna or a pool?
Insurance rates are informed by risk. If the insurance companies take on a greater amount of risk, you will most likely pay a higher premium. Things like pools and saunas increase risk. In particular, they increase your liability risk. That means it’s more likely that someone could injure themselves and sue you.
