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What a walk-in tub costs once it is installed, what the warranty really covers, how to judge the local installer and why Medicare rarely pays.
By BestGuide Editorial Team, Editorial Team. See their work.Updated October 16, 2026This page was compiled from primary sources: company disclosures and terms, the BBB and regulators. Our ratings method is described on the methodology page.
Veterans should check the VA's HISA grant first, and anyone on Medicaid should ask about state waiver programs, since Original Medicare rarely pays for walk-in tubs. For a tub you buy yourself, Safe Step is our top pick for its published installed price range of $10,000 to $26,000 and lifetime parts and labor warranty, Boca has the lowest published starting price at $7,000 installed, and Kohler has a warranty backed by Kohler Co. Choose by getting a written installed quote, checking who does the installation and reading what the warranty covers beyond the tub shell.
Our top picks
Homeowners who want a premium, jetted walk-in tub from a major manufacturer and have a KOHLER Authorized Dealer nearby.KohlerThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.BestGuide Score: 4.5 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.
Homeowners who want a fast-draining walk-in tub with permits, installation and lifetime labor coverage handled by one company under a major fixture brand.American StandardThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.BestGuide Score: 4.5 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.
Homeowners who want a full-featured walk-in tub sold, installed and serviced by one company with a lifetime parts and labor warranty.Safe StepBestGuide Score: 4.0 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.
Buyers who want a firm walk-in tub price by phone, a starting price near $7,000 installed, and one company handling the build, installation and warranty.Boca Walk-In TubsBestGuide Score: 3.8 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.
Buyers who need a walk-in tub quickly, or a wheelchair or extra wide model, and have a trusted local American Tubs dealer.American TubsBestGuide Score: 3.8 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.
A walk-in tub lets you step over a low threshold and sit while you bathe, which can make bathing safer if getting in and out of a standard tub is hard. Installed, most cost $5,500 to well over $20,000.
We compared five walk-in tub companies we review on installed price, warranty, who installs the tub and how long it takes, using each company's own site. Most do not publish prices, and much of your experience depends on the local installer.
Below you will find programs to check first, our picks with their weak spots, what drives cost, how Medicare treats walk-in tubs and how to vet an installer.
Typical total cost
$5,500 to $33,000+ installed, per Kohler's cost guide8
Homeowners who want a premium, jetted walk-in tub from a major manufacturer and have a KOHLER Authorized Dealer nearby.: KohlerThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.
4.5/5
Why we picked it. The KOHLER Walk-In Bath (Belay) is sold and installed by local KOHLER Authorized Dealers. Price is quote only, and Kohler's own guide puts walk-in tubs at $5,500 to $33,000+ installed.
Pros and cons
Pros
3-inch step-in, one of the lowest Kohler says is on the market
Heated backrest plus 10 hydrotherapy and 17 air jets
Fits most standard tub spaces (52 to 60 by 28 to 32 inches)
Lifetime limited warranty from Kohler Co. itself
One quoted price that includes old tub removal and installation
Cons
No published prices; you need an in-home sales visit to get one
Kohler's written warranty excludes installation and labor costs
No bariatric or wheelchair-accessible model
Not available in every area, and service quality depends on your local dealer
The Shower Package can't be added after installation
Homeowners who want a fast-draining walk-in tub with permits, installation and lifetime labor coverage handled by one company under a major fixture brand.: American StandardThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.
4.5/5
Why we picked it. American Standard walk-in tubs are sold and installed by Safety Tubs Company, LLC, an affiliate of the LIXIL-owned brand. Projects average $10,000 to $25,000 installed, quoted after a free home visit.
Pros and cons
Pros
Backed by a long-established fixture brand, with an A+ BBB rating for the company that sells and installs
Permits, demolition, disposal and a post-installation inspection are part of the job
Lifetime materials and labor warranties
Patented Quick Drain and a choice of inward or outward opening doors
Install often done in one to two days
Cons
No published price per model; typical projects cost $10,000 to $25,000
Full warranty terms are only shown during the sales visit
Promotional financing jumps to 17.99% if the balance is not paid in 12 months
The lead form consents you to autodialed and prerecorded sales calls and texts
Not sold in some areas, including five New York counties
Homeowners who want a full-featured walk-in tub sold, installed and serviced by one company with a lifetime parts and labor warranty.: Safe Step
4.0/5
Why we picked it. Safe Step walk-in tubs cost $10,000 to $26,000 fully installed, per the company's 2026 price guide, and come with a lifetime warranty on parts and labor for tubs it installs.
Pros and cons
Pros
Publishes a fully installed price range of $10,000 to $26,000
Lifetime warranty covers labor, sealant and caulking, not just the tub
One company sells, installs and services the tub
BBB A+ and accredited since 2009
Lowest Price Guarantee: refunds the difference plus $100 within 30 days of the written agreement, conditions apply
Cons
Not a budget option; most installed jobs land well above $10,000
Final price is set in an in-home visit with time-limited promotions
Trustpilot score of 3.1 with frequent complaints about post-install service
Warranty applies only to tubs and showers Safe Step installs
Buyers who want a firm walk-in tub price by phone, a starting price near $7,000 installed, and one company handling the build, installation and warranty.: Boca Walk-In Tubs
3.8/5
Why we picked it. Boca Walk-In Tubs builds its tubs in Woodstock, Georgia, not Boca Raton, and installs them with its own team. Installed prices run $7,000 to $20,000+, quoted by phone, with a lifetime warranty on all parts.
Pros and cons
Pros
Lowest published starting price we found, from $7,000 installed
Firm quote by phone, with no in-home sales visit required
Built and installed by the same company, with no subcontractors
Lifetime warranty on all parts, including the door seal, and on installation
A+ BBB rating with no complaints in the last three years
Cons
Built to order, so expect 4 to 6 weeks before installation
$1,000 deposit before production starts
Few independent reviews: no Trustpilot page and no BBB reviews
Service area for installation is not published
Prices above the $7,000 base model are only given on a quote call
Buyers who need a walk-in tub quickly, or a wheelchair or extra wide model, and have a trusted local American Tubs dealer.: American Tubs
3.8/5
Why we picked it. American Tubs is a Southern California walk-in tub maker that sells through local dealers. Prices are quote only, and motors, controls and the faucet carry just a 2-year warranty.
Pros and cons
Pros
7-day build lead time, faster than many rivals
Wheelchair, compact and extra wide and deep models
17-inch ADA seat, non-slip floor and door drain standard
Lifetime coverage on the frame, door mechanism and door seal
Financing offered on all models
Cons
Only 2 years on motors, electrical controls and faucet
No published prices
Installation is warranted by the local dealer, not American Tubs
Almost no independent reviews; BBB lists it as not rated
Site makes broad health claims for hydrotherapy that it does not support
Jacuzzi Walk-In Tubs: Jacuzzi's site no longer has a walk-in tub section (the walk-in tub address now leads to showers), and retailers list its Finestra walk-in models as discontinued.
Independent Home: Independent Home's website did not load when we checked on October 12, 2026, so we could not confirm it is taking orders.
Ella's Bubbles: Ella's Bubbles' live site blocked our checks on October 12, 2026; an archived July 2026 copy shows it still sells tubs with a lifetime limited warranty, but we could not verify current prices or installation terms.
How we chose
We compared walk-in tub companies on published installed price, warranty coverage (shell, door seal, pumps, labor), who installs the tub, install time and service area. Prices and terms came from each company's official site, checked October 12, 2026; coverage rules came from Medicare.gov and the VA, and contractor guidance from the FTC. We ranked companies by fit for most buyers: published prices and warranties that include labor first, then who installs, then features. Safe Step leads for its published installed range and lifetime parts and labor warranty; Boca follows for the lowest published starting price and its own installers; Kohler for its manufacturer-backed warranty; American Standard for lifetime materials and labor coverage without a published price; and American Tubs last because motors, controls and faucets get only 2 years. We did not inspect installations or collect complaint data, and quotes vary by home and ZIP code. Read our full methodology.
Free and low-cost help to check first
A walk-in tub is a large purchase, so check these options before you sign.
Veterans: VA HISA grants. The VA’s Home Improvements and Structural Alterations benefit is a lifetime grant of up to $6,800 for a service-connected disability (or a rating of at least 50 percent), and up to $2,000 for other veterans. It can pay for access to essential bathroom facilities, such as roll-in showers, but it excludes spa, hot tub and Jacuzzi type tubs, so ask before you count on it for a jetted walk-in tub.
Medicaid. Kohler’s cost guide notes that Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers are more likely than Medicare to help. Programs differ by state, so call your state Medicaid office.
Local aging agencies. The Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) connects you to your Area Agency on Aging, which can point you to local home modification help.
Cheaper alternatives. If you mainly need safer bathing, ask an occupational therapist whether grab bars, a tub transfer bench or a walk-in shower would solve the problem for less.
How much a walk-in tub costs installed
The tub is only part of the bill. Kohler’s cost guide lists walk-in tubs at $2,000 to $20,000 before installation, accessories at $1,000 to $5,000 and installation at $2,500 to $8,000, for a total of $5,500 to $33,000 or more. Among the companies that publish prices, Safe Step lists $10,000 to $26,000 fully installed and Boca starts at $7,000 including installation.
Cost item
Range from Kohler’s guide
Tub only
$2,000 to $20,000+
Accessories (walls, grab bars, shower option)
$1,000 to $5,000+
Installation (plumbing, electrical)
$2,500 to $8,000+
Total
$5,500 to $33,000+
What drives the price
Features. Hydrotherapy jets, heated seats and combination tub and shower models cost more. Kohler lists hydromassage tubs at $5,000 to $10,000 before installation.
Plumbing and electrical work. Jets and heaters need power, and a larger tub can need plumbing changes.
Promotions. Safe Step, Boca, Kohler and American Standard all advertised discounts or free add-ons when we checked. Judge the final written quote, not the discount.
Does Medicare cover walk-in tubs?
Usually not. Medicare Part B covers durable medical equipment that is used for a medical reason, is typically only useful to someone who is sick or injured, and is used in your home. A walk-in tub is a home modification, and Kohler’s guide states that Medicare does not cover the cost or installation except in rare situations. Safe Step’s pricing page also says Original Medicare does not typically cover walk-in tubs.
Medicare Advantage: Safe Step notes that certain Medicare Advantage plans may offer limited help. Call your plan and ask for the answer in writing.
Medicaid: Some state waiver programs may help with home modifications. Ask your state Medicaid office.
VA: HISA grants can help veterans with bathroom access, with the limits described above.
Local installer quality matters as much as the tub
Most walk-in tub brands sell through local dealers or franchise installers, so two buyers of the same brand can have very different experiences. Kohler and American Tubs use local dealers, American Standard matches you with local licensed technicians, and Safe Step and Boca say they use their own certified installers.
Ask who will do the work. Find out whether the installer is an employee, a dealer or a subcontractor, and who handles warranty service later.
Check license and insurance. The FTC advises hiring only licensed and insured contractors and confirming the license with your state or county.
Get written estimates. Compare more than one bid, with the work, materials, timeline and price spelled out.
Confirm permits. American Standard includes local permits; ask every other installer whether permits are in the quote.
Read the warranty split. Lifetime coverage on the shell is common. Coverage for labor, pumps, heaters and the door seal varies a lot.
Ask about hot water and power. Ask the installer whether your water heater can fill the tub and whether jets or heaters need new electrical work.
Red flags before you sign
Pressure to decide today. The FTC lists demands for an immediate decision among the warning signs of home improvement scams.
Large upfront payments. The FTC says not to pay the full amount up front and not to make the final payment until the work is done to your satisfaction. Boca, for example, takes a $1,000 deposit and collects the balance at installation.
No cancellation notice. Under the FTC’s Cooling-Off Rule, you generally have three business days to cancel a sale over $25 made in your home, and the seller must tell you about that right.
Financing pushed by the seller. The FTC warns against borrowing through a contractor’s lender without shopping around, and against signing loan papers with blank spaces.
Vague warranty promises. Ask for the written warranty before you sign. American Standard, for example, reviews full warranty terms during the consultation.
Terms to know
Step-in height
How high you must lift your foot to get over the tub's threshold; 2 to 3 inches on the tubs we compared.
Hydrotherapy
Water or air jets that massage the body during a bath.
Quick drain
A larger or pumped drain that empties the tub faster so you wait less time inside.
HISA grant
A VA benefit that helps veterans pay for medically needed home accessibility changes.
HCBS waiver
A state Medicaid program that can pay for services and supports that help people stay at home.
Cooling-Off Rule
An FTC rule giving you three business days to cancel many sales made in your home.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best walk-in tub company?
Safe Step is our top pick because it publishes an installed price range of $10,000 to $26,000 and covers parts and labor for life. Boca has the lowest published starting price at $7,000 installed, and Kohler has a lifetime limited warranty backed by Kohler Co.
How much does a walk-in tub cost installed?
Kohler's cost guide puts the total at $5,500 to $33,000 or more once you add installation and accessories. Safe Step lists $10,000 to $26,000 fully installed and Boca starts at $7,000 installed.
Does Medicare pay for walk-in tubs?
Usually not. Walk-in tubs are not treated as durable medical equipment, and the companies we checked say Original Medicare does not typically cover them. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer limited help, so ask your plan.
Can veterans get help paying for a walk-in tub?
The VA's HISA grant provides up to $6,800 for a service-connected disability and up to $2,000 for others. It covers access to essential bathroom facilities but excludes spa, hot tub and Jacuzzi type tubs, so confirm eligibility with your VA prosthetics office first.
Will Medicaid pay for a walk-in tub?
Possibly, through a state home and community-based services waiver. Rules differ by state, so contact your state Medicaid office.
How long does walk-in tub installation take?
Most companies we checked say installation takes as little as 1 day; American Standard says as little as 2 days. Custom builds can add weeks before installation, such as Boca's 4 to 6 weeks.
How long does it take a walk-in tub to drain?
You have to wait inside while it drains, so drain speed matters. American Standard says its Quick Drain system empties the tub in a couple of minutes; other brands sell quick drains as features or add-ons.
Can I cancel a walk-in tub contract signed at home?
Generally yes. The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule gives you three business days to cancel a sale over $25 made in your home, and the seller must tell you about that right.
Do walk-in tubs come with a lifetime warranty?
Most brands advertise one, but coverage differs. Safe Step and American Standard include labor, while American Tubs covers motors, controls and the faucet for only 2 years.
Sources (20)
Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards
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