Medicare Supplement Insurance — commonly called Medigap — is private health insurance that fills the coverage gaps left by Original Medicare. While Medicare pays for most of your hospital and medical costs, it still leaves you responsible for deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket expenses that can add up quickly. A Medigap policy covers these gaps, giving you more predictable and often lower total healthcare spending.
More than 14 million Americans have a Medigap policy in 2026. If you are enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), you are eligible to purchase a Medigap policy from a private insurance company. This comprehensive guide covers all standardized Medigap plan types, 2026 cost ranges, what each plan covers, how to compare quotes from the top insurers, and the official government tools for getting the best rate.
What Is Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance?
Medigap policies are sold by private insurance companies and are designed to work alongside Original Medicare Parts A and B. They do not replace Medicare — they supplement it by covering some or all of the costs that Medicare does not pay.
• You must have Original Medicare Parts A and B to purchase a Medigap policy.
• You cannot have both a Medigap policy and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time.
• Medigap policies do not cover prescription drugs — you need a separate Part D plan.
• Medigap policies are standardized by the federal government — Plan G from one insurer covers exactly the same benefits as Plan G from another. The only difference is the monthly premium.
• Once enrolled, a Medigap insurer generally cannot cancel your policy as long as you pay your premiums.
• Medigap covers care from any Medicare-accepting provider in the US — no networks, no referrals needed.
Standardized Medigap Plans Available in 2026
There are 10 standardized Medigap plan types labeled A through N. Each letter offers a specific combination of benefits. Here is what each plan covers in 2026:
Medigap Plan A
• Covers: Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to 365 additional days after Medicare benefits end
• Covers: Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment
• Covers: First 3 pints of blood
• Covers: Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
• Does NOT cover: Part A deductible, Part B deductible, Part B excess charges, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, or foreign travel emergency
• Average monthly premium 2026: $80 to $150 depending on age, location, and insurer
Medigap Plan B
• Covers: Everything in Plan A PLUS the Medicare Part A deductible ($1,740 in 2026)
• Does NOT cover: Part B deductible, Part B excess charges, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, or foreign travel emergency
• Average monthly premium 2026: $110 to $200
Medigap Plan C (Not available to new Medicare enrollees after January 1, 2020)
• Covers: Part A and Part B deductibles, Part A hospital coinsurance, Part B coinsurance, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, foreign travel emergency
• Not available to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020
• Still available to those who became Medicare-eligible before 2020
Medigap Plan D
• Covers: Part A deductible, Part A hospital coinsurance, Part B coinsurance, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, foreign travel emergency (80% up to plan limits)
• Does NOT cover: Part B deductible or Part B excess charges
• Average monthly premium 2026: $100 to $190
Medigap Plan F (Not available to new Medicare enrollees after January 1, 2020)
• The most comprehensive Medigap plan — covers ALL Medicare-approved cost-sharing gaps including Part A and Part B deductibles, all coinsurance and copays, Part B excess charges, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and foreign travel emergency
• Not available to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020
• High-deductible Plan F option available to pre-2020 enrollees
Medigap Plan G – Most Popular Plan for New Enrollees in 2026
Plan G is the most comprehensive Medigap plan available to new Medicare enrollees in 2026 and is the most popular plan among people enrolling in Medigap for the first time. It covers nearly everything Plan F covered, with one exception: it does not cover the Part B deductible ($240 in 2026).
• Covers: Medicare Part A deductible ($1,740 in 2026)
• Covers: Medicare Part A hospital coinsurance and all hospital costs for up to 365 additional days
• Covers: Medicare Part B coinsurance (20% of Medicare-approved costs after deductible)
• Covers: Medicare Part B excess charges (the amount a non-participating provider can charge above the Medicare-approved amount, up to 15% more)
• Covers: Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance (days 21-100)
• Covers: First 3 pints of blood annually
• Covers: Foreign travel emergency care (80% up to $50,000 lifetime after a $250 deductible)
• Does NOT cover: Medicare Part B annual deductible ($240 in 2026)
• Average monthly premium 2026: $120 to $280 depending on age, gender, location, tobacco use, and insurer
With Plan G, your only out-of-pocket Medicare cost for covered medical services is the $240 Part B annual deductible. After that, Plan G covers 100% of your Medicare-approved medical costs for the rest of the year. For most people who see doctors and use medical services regularly, Plan G provides the most complete financial protection available in 2026.
Medigap Plan High-Deductible G (HDG)
• Same comprehensive coverage as Plan G but with a high deductible of $2,870 in 2026
• You pay the first $2,870 of Medicare-covered costs each year before Plan G coverage kicks in
• Much lower monthly premiums than standard Plan G — average $45 to $90 per month
• Best for: Relatively healthy individuals who want catastrophic protection at low premium cost
Medigap Plan K
• Covers 50% of cost-sharing for most Medicare gaps including Part A and Part B coinsurance and the Part A deductible
• Annual out-of-pocket limit: $7,220 in 2026 — after reaching this limit, Plan K pays 100%
• Does not cover Part B deductible or Part B excess charges
• Lower monthly premiums than more comprehensive plans
Medigap Plan L
• Covers 75% of cost-sharing for most Medicare gaps
• Annual out-of-pocket limit: $3,610 in 2026
• Does not cover Part B deductible or Part B excess charges
• Moderate monthly premiums
Medigap Plan M
• Covers 50% of the Part A deductible, full Part B coinsurance, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and foreign travel emergency
• Does not cover Part B deductible, Part B excess charges, or the other 50% of the Part A deductible
• Lower premiums than comprehensive plans
Medigap Plan N – Popular Balance of Coverage and Cost
Plan N offers good coverage at moderate premiums. It is the second most popular Medigap plan among new enrollees in 2026 after Plan G.
• Covers: Part A deductible, Part A hospital coinsurance, Part B coinsurance (except copays up to $20 for office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits), skilled nursing facility coinsurance, foreign travel emergency
• Does NOT cover: Part B deductible, Part B excess charges
• You pay: Up to $20 copay per doctor office visit and up to $50 copay per ER visit (waived if admitted)
• Average monthly premium 2026: $100 to $220 — typically $30 to $60 less per month than Plan G
• Best for: Relatively healthy individuals who see doctors occasionally and want to save on monthly premiums compared to Plan G
Medigap Premium Ranges by Age in 2026
Medigap premiums vary significantly based on your age, gender, tobacco use status, and geographic location. Here are typical monthly premium ranges for Plan G in 2026 by age:
• Age 65 — $120 to $180 per month for Plan G (lowest premiums, best time to enroll)
• Age 70 — $150 to $220 per month for Plan G
• Age 75 — $190 to $270 per month for Plan G
• Age 80 — $240 to $330 per month for Plan G
• Age 85 — $280 to $400 per month for Plan G
Note: These are illustrative ranges. Actual premiums depend on your state of residence, the insurer, and whether community-rated, issue-age-rated, or attained-age-rated pricing is used. Community-rated plans charge the same premium regardless of age, which is most beneficial for older enrollees.
Top Medigap Insurance Companies and Quotes 2026
• AARP/UnitedHealthcare — the largest Medigap insurer by enrollment. Plans available nationwide. Community-rated pricing in most states. Plan G premiums typically $130 to $200 per month at age 65 depending on location.
• Mutual of Omaha — one of the most recognized Medigap brands. Competitive pricing and strong financial stability. Plan G premiums typically $120 to $195 per month at age 65.
• Cigna — competitive Medigap pricing in most states. Household discount available when two members of the same household enroll. Plan G premiums typically $115 to $185 per month at age 65.
• Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield — Blue Cross network recognition and competitive Medigap pricing in served states. Plan G premiums vary by state.
• Humana — competitive Medigap pricing with household discounts and loyalty pricing. Strong in the South and Southeast.
• Transamerica — competitive pricing particularly for high-deductible Medigap plans. Plan HDG premiums among the lowest nationally.
• State Farm — offers Medigap in most states with competitive pricing and strong agent network.
• New Era Life Insurance — known for competitive pricing for Medigap Plans F, G, and N.
Important: Because all insurers must offer identical benefits for the same lettered Medigap plan, the only reason to pay more for the same plan letter is brand preference or insurer financial stability. Always compare at least 3 to 5 Medigap quotes for your plan of choice before enrolling.
When to Buy Medigap: Open Enrollment Period
The best time to buy a Medigap policy is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period — a 6-month window that begins on the first day of the month in which you are both 65 or older AND enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period:
• Insurance companies CANNOT deny you coverage for any Medigap plan they sell in your state
• Insurance companies CANNOT charge you higher premiums because of pre-existing health conditions
• You have guaranteed issue rights for any available Medigap plan
After your open enrollment period ends, insurance companies can use medical underwriting in most states — they can deny coverage, charge higher premiums, or impose waiting periods based on your health history. Enrolling during open enrollment is strongly recommended for the best rates and guaranteed acceptance.
How to Get Medigap Quotes and Compare Plans
1. Use the official Medicare Plan Finder at medicare.gov/plan-compare. Select Medigap policies and enter your zip code to see all available plans and estimated premiums in your area.
2. Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free, unbiased comparison assistance. Find your SHIP at shiphelp.org.
3. Contact multiple insurers directly or use a licensed independent Medigap broker who can compare quotes from multiple companies simultaneously.
4. Compare only the monthly premium for the same lettered plan — benefits are identical across all insurers for the same letter. Choose the insurer with the lowest premium and strong financial ratings (A or A+ from AM Best).
5. Check whether the insurer uses community rating, issue-age rating, or attained-age rating — community rating charges everyone the same premium regardless of age and is typically best for older enrollees.
Official US Government Resources
• Medicare.gov – Medigap Policy Search Tool — https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare
• Medicare.gov – How to Compare Medigap Policies — https://www.medicare.gov/supplements-other-insurance/how-to-compare-medigap-policies
• SHIP – Free Medicare Supplement Counseling — https://www.shiphelp.org
• CMS – Medigap Policy Information — https://www.cms.gov/medicare/health-plans/medigap
• Medicare.gov – Medigap Enrollment Rights — https://www.medicare.gov/supplements-other-insurance/when-can-i-buy-a-medigap-policy
• 1-800-MEDICARE – Official Medicare Helpline — https://www.medicare.gov/talk-to-someone
• NIH MedlinePlus – Medicare Supplement Insurance — https://medlineplus.gov/medicare.html
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Medicare Supplement plan in 2026?
Plan G is the most popular and most comprehensive Medigap plan available to new Medicare enrollees in 2026. After paying the $240 Part B annual deductible, Plan G covers 100% of Medicare-approved costs for covered services with no network restrictions. Plan N offers a similar level of coverage at a lower monthly premium, with small copays of up to $20 per office visit. For healthy enrollees looking for lower premiums with catastrophic protection, High-Deductible Plan G is also highly rated.
How much does Medicare Supplement insurance cost per month in 2026?
Medicare Supplement insurance premiums vary by plan type, age, gender, tobacco use, and location. For Plan G, monthly premiums typically range from $120 to $280 per month at age 65, increasing with age. Plan N is typically $30 to $60 less per month than Plan G. High-Deductible Plan G premiums are the lowest at $45 to $90 per month. Always compare quotes from multiple insurers for the same plan letter to find the best rate.
Can I be denied Medigap coverage?
During your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period (starting when you are both 65 and enrolled in Part B), insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on health. After this window, most states allow medical underwriting, meaning insurers can decline coverage or charge more based on pre-existing conditions. Some states (California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Oregon, and others) have additional guaranteed issue protections. Always enroll during your open enrollment period for the best rates and guaranteed acceptance.
⚠️ Disclaimer: Medicare Supplement insurance premiums and plan availability vary by state and insurer and change annually. This article provides general information as of 2026. Always compare quotes from multiple insurers and consult your local SHIP counselor before purchasing. This does not constitute insurance or financial advice.