Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans 2026
Last reviewed: June 2026 · Reviewed by Galit Sacajiu MD, MPH
Original Medicare leaves you responsible for deductibles, copays, and 20% coinsurance with no annual cap. A Medicare Supplement policy, also called Medigap, covers those costs so you know what to expect.
Medigap plans are sold by private insurers but are standardized by the federal government. Every Plan G sold in your state covers the exact same benefits, regardless of which company sells it. This means you can shop on price alone once you decide which plan letter fits your needs.
Who needs Medigap? Anyone on Original Medicare who wants predictable out-of-pocket costs. Without a Medigap policy or Medicare Advantage, a serious illness can cost you tens of thousands of dollars even with Medicare, because the 20% coinsurance on Part B has no limit.
Medigap Plan Comparison
| Plan | Part A deductible | Part B coinsurance | Part B deductible | Foreign travel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plan A | No | Yes | No | No |
| Plan B | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Plan D | Yes | Yes | No | 80% |
| Plan G Most popular for new enrollees | Yes | Yes | No | 80% |
| Plan N Up to $20 doctor / $50 ER copay | Yes | Copays apply | No | 80% |
| Plan K OOP cap: $7,220 | 50% | 50% | No | No |
| Plan L OOP cap: $3,610 | 75% | 75% | No | No |
Plans C and F also exist but are only available to people who became eligible before Jan 1, 2020.
Plan G vs. Plan N: Which Is Right for You?
Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular options for new Medicare enrollees. Both cover the Part A deductible, hospital coinsurance, and Part B coinsurance. The difference is how they handle Part B services.
Plan G
- ✓ $0 copay for doctor visits
- ✓ $0 copay for ER visits
- ✓ Most predictable costs
- – Higher monthly premium than Plan N
Best for: Frequent healthcare users, people who want zero surprises.
Plan N
- ✓ Lower monthly premium than Plan G
- ✓ Covers most costs fully
- – Up to $20 copay per doctor visit
- – Up to $50 for non-admit ER visits
Best for: Healthy, infrequent care users who want to save on premiums.
How Medigap Premiums Are Set
Different insurers price the same plan letter in very different ways. Understanding the pricing method matters because it affects how fast your premium grows over time.
Attained-age rated
Your premium increases as you get older. This is the most common pricing method. Premiums start lower but rise each year.
Issue-age rated
Your premium is based on your age when you first buy the policy. It does not increase simply because you get older, though it can still rise due to inflation. Premiums start higher but stay more stable.
Community rated
Everyone in the plan pays the same premium regardless of age. The least common type. Available in a limited number of states.
When to Enroll
The best time to buy Medigap is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This is the 6-month window that starts on the first day of the month you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During this window, every insurer that sells Medigap in your state must sell you any plan they offer at standard rates, regardless of your health history.
After this window closes, insurers in most states can use medical underwriting. That means they can charge you more, exclude pre-existing conditions for a period of time, or decline to cover you altogether. A few states (Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New York) have additional protections that limit underwriting.
If you are delaying enrollment because of employer coverage: You have a Special Enrollment Period when your employer coverage ends. You can enroll in Part B and buy a Medigap policy without underwriting during this window. Do not delay past this window or you may lose guaranteed issue rights.
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage
| Medigap + Original Medicare | Medicare Advantage | |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor choice | Any Medicare-accepting provider in the U.S. | Plan network (HMO) or any with higher cost (PPO) |
| Monthly cost | $100-$300+ Medigap premium | Often $0, but copays at point of care |
| Out-of-pocket | Predictable, often near $0 | Varies; capped annually up to $9,350 |
| Drug coverage | Add a standalone Part D plan | Usually included in the plan |
| Dental/Vision | Not included | Often included |
| Prior authorization | Not required | Required for many services |
| Travel coverage | Any Medicare provider nationwide; some plans cover foreign travel | Mostly limited to plan service area |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Plan G and Plan N?+
Both cover almost everything in Original Medicare, but Plan N has lower monthly premiums in exchange for cost-sharing. With Plan N, you pay up to $20 for doctor visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that don't result in an inpatient admission. Plan G covers these with no copay. If you rarely see doctors, Plan N's lower premium usually wins. If you see doctors frequently, Plan G's predictability is often worth it.
Can I be denied a Medigap plan?+
Only if you apply outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (the 6-month window starting when you turn 65 and enroll in Part B). During that window, no insurer can deny you or charge you more based on your health. After it closes, most states allow medical underwriting, meaning insurers can decline you or raise your premium based on pre-existing conditions.
Does Medigap cover dental, vision, or hearing?+
No. Medigap policies only fill gaps in Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Original Medicare does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing, so Medigap does not either. If you need those benefits, a Medicare Advantage plan or a standalone dental/vision plan is the route to take.
Can I have both Medigap and Medicare Advantage?+
No. You cannot use a Medigap policy to cover costs under a Medicare Advantage plan. Medigap only works with Original Medicare (Parts A and B). If you want to switch from Advantage to Original Medicare and add a Medigap policy, you may face medical underwriting depending on your state and circumstances.
How much does Medigap cost per month?+
It varies by plan, age, location, and insurer. Plan G typically runs $100 to $250 per month for a 65-year-old. Premiums go up as you age in most states. Getting quotes from multiple insurers in your area is the only way to know the actual price, since the benefits for each plan letter are identical across all carriers.
Do Medigap plans cover prescription drugs?+
No. Medigap policies sold after 2006 do not include drug coverage. You need a separate Part D plan for prescription drugs. Most people on Original Medicare plus Medigap add a standalone Part D Prescription Drug Plan.