Medicare Supplement
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Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap): Compare Coverage & Options
Help cover the out-of-pocket costs Original Medicare doesn’t fully pay, including certain deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
What is Medicare Supplement Insurance?
A Medicare Supplement Plan, also known as Medigap, is private health insurance that works alongside your Original Medicare. It does not replace Medicare; instead, it helps cover out-of-pocket expenses that Medicare Parts A and B don’t fully pay for.
There are 10 standardized Medigap plans available in most states, labeled Plan A through Plan N. Each plan offers different levels of coverage, but all are designed to give you more control over your healthcare spending.
At InsureInMinutes.com, we make it easier to understand and compare Medicare Supplement options so you can find coverage that fits your healthcare needs and budget.
Key Benefits of Medicare Supplement Insurance
- Covers deductibles, copays, and coinsurance
- Nationwide coverage – see any doctor that accepts Medicare
- Guaranteed renewable – your plan can’t be canceled due to health conditions
- Travel protection – some plans offer emergency coverage outside the U.S.
Who Should Consider a Medigap Plan?
Medicare Supplement Plans are ideal for:
- Those who have original Medicare (Part A and B). Medigap doesn’t work with Medicare Advantage.
Seniors who frequently visit doctors or specialists and want to have an option to choose without network restrictions.
Medicare recipients looking to reduce high out-of-pocket costs and have predictable, limited bills.
- Snowbirds or travelers needing out-of-state coverage. Your coverage follows you wherever Medicare is accepted.
- Medicare recipients who require frequent care and don’t want to face regular out-of-pocket costs.
Medicare Supplement Questionnaire
Please fill out the form below to help us find the best Medicare supplement plan for you.
What Does Medicare Supplement Insurance Cover?
Medicare Supplement insurance, also known as Medigap, helps pay certain out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t fully cover. Depending on the Medigap plan you choose, this may include deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
Medicare Supplement plans may help cover:
- Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, including up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used
- Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments
- The first three pints of blood needed for a medical procedure
- Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
- The Medicare Part A deductible
- Medicare Part B excess charges, with certain plans
- Foreign travel emergency care, with certain plans and subject to plan limits
The exact benefits depend on which Medicare Supplement plan you select. For example, Plan G covers most of the gaps in Original Medicare, but it does not pay the Medicare Part B deductible. Plan N also provides broad coverage but may require copayments of up to $20 for certain office visits and up to $50 for certain emergency room visits that don’t result in an inpatient admission.
What Doesn't Medicare Supplement Insurance Cover?
Medicare Supplement insurance generally does not cover routine dental or vision care, hearing aids, eyeglasses, long-term care or private-duty nursing. Medigap policies sold after 2005 also don’t include prescription drug coverage. If you need prescription drug coverage, you can generally enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan.
The key point: Original Medicare pays its share of covered Medicare-approved costs first. Your Medicare Supplement policy then helps pay its share according to the benefits of the plan you’ve selected.
What Medicare Supplement Plans Are Available?
There are 10 standardized Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans available in most states. Each plan is identified by a letter and provides a different level of coverage.
- Plan A — Basic Coverage
- Covers the basic Medigap benefits, including Part A hospital coinsurance and Part B coinsurance.
- Does not cover the Part A or Part B deductible, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, Part B excess charges, or foreign travel emergencies.
- Provides fewer benefits than most other Medigap plans.
- Plan B — Basic Coverage Plus the Part A Deductible
- Includes the basic benefits of Plan A.
- Also covers 100% of the Medicare Part A deductible.
- Does not cover skilled nursing facility coinsurance, the Part B deductible, Part B excess charges, or foreign travel emergencies.
- Plan C — Broad Coverage for People Eligible Before 2020
- Covers most major Original Medicare cost-sharing expenses.
- Covers the Part A and Part B deductibles.
- Includes skilled nursing facility coinsurance and 80% of qualifying foreign travel emergency costs, up to plan limits.
- Does not cover Part B excess charges.
- Important: Plan C is not available to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
- Plan D — Broad Coverage Without the Part B Deductible
- Covers the Part A deductible and skilled nursing facility coinsurance.
- Covers 80% of qualifying foreign travel emergency costs, up to plan limits.
- Does not cover the Part B deductible or Part B excess charges.
- Don’t confuse Medigap Plan D with Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. They are completely different.
- Plan F — Most Comprehensive for Those Who Qualify
- Covers nearly all of the standardized Medigap benefit gaps, including the Part A deductible, Part B deductible and Part B excess charges.
- Includes 80% foreign travel emergency coverage, up to plan limits.
- Only available to people who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
- A High-Deductible Plan F may also be available. In 2026, you pay Medicare-covered costs up to $2,950 before the high-deductible policy begins paying.
- Plan G — Broad Coverage Without the Part B Deductible
- Covers most standardized Medigap benefits.
- Covers the Part A deductible, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and Part B excess charges.
- Includes 80% foreign travel emergency coverage, up to plan limits.
- Does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible.
- A High-Deductible Plan G may also be available. The deductible is $2,950 in 2026.
- Plan K — Cost-Sharing Plan
- Covers 100% of Part A hospital coinsurance and additional hospital benefits.
- Generally pays 50% of several other covered Medigap benefits, including the Part A deductible, Part B coinsurance, blood, hospice cost sharing and skilled nursing facility coinsurance.
- Has an annual out-of-pocket limit of $8,000 in 2026.
- After you meet the annual out-of-pocket limit and the Medicare Part B deductible, Plan K pays 100% of the cost for covered services for the remainder of the calendar year.
- Plan L — Cost-Sharing Plan With Greater Coverage
- Similar in structure to Plan K but generally pays 75% instead of 50% of several covered benefits.
- Covers 75% of the Part A deductible and certain other cost-sharing expenses.
- Has an annual out-of-pocket limit of $4,000 in 2026.
- After you meet the annual out-of-pocket limit and the Medicare Part B deductible, Plan L pays 100% of the cost for covered services for the remainder of the calendar year.
- Plan M — Cost Sharing on the Part A Deductible
- Covers 50% of the Medicare Part A deductible.
- Covers Part B coinsurance, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and several other standardized benefits.
- Includes 80% foreign travel emergency coverage, up to plan limits.
- Does not cover the Part B deductible or Part B excess charges.
- Plan N — Broad Coverage With Some Copayments
- Covers the Part A deductible and skilled nursing facility coinsurance.
- Generally covers Part B coinsurance, but you may pay up to $20 for certain office visits and up to $50 for certain emergency room visits that don’t result in an inpatient admission.
- Includes 80% foreign travel emergency coverage, up to plan limits.
- Does not cover the Part B deductible or Part B excess charges.
Important Things to Know About Medigap Plans
Medigap plans are standardized in most states. This means that a Plan G from one insurance company provides the same standardized basic benefits as a Plan G from another company. However, premiums and other company-specific factors can differ.
Not every insurance company offers every Medigap plan, and availability varies by location.
Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin are different. These states standardize Medicare Supplement policies differently, so the lettered-plan descriptions above don’t apply in the same way.
Medicare Supplement plans also generally don’t cover prescription drugs, routine dental or vision care, hearing aids, eyeglasses, long-term care or private-duty nursing. Prescription drug coverage can be obtained separately through a Medicare Part D plan.
Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) for 2026
| FEATURES | Medicare Advantage (Part C) | Medicare Supplement (Medigap) |
|---|---|---|
| How It Works | Replaces Original Medicare and combines Medicare-covered services through a private insurance company. | Works alongside Original Medicare to help pay out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. |
| Monthly Premium | Often low-cost or $0 premium plans (in addition to Part B premium). | Higher monthly premiums, but generally lower out-of-pocket medical costs. |
| Doctor & Hospital Network | Restricted. You generally must use a network of doctors (HMO/PPO). Out-of-network care costs more or isn't covered. | Freedom to choose. You can see any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Original Medicare. No networks. |
| Specialist Referrals | Often required (especially in HMO plans). | No referrals required. |
| Out-of-Pocket Costs | Pay-as-you-go. You pay copays or coinsurance as you visit the doctor until you hit the plan's annual maximum limit. | Low to None. Your premium covers most out-of-pocket costs (deductibles/coinsurance), giving you highly predictable medical bills. |
| Prescription Drug Coverage | Included in most plans. You cannot buy a separate standalone drug plan. | Not included. You must purchase a standalone Medicare Part D plan separately for your medications. |
| Extra Benefits | Included. Most plans offer built-in perks like routine dental, vision, hearing, or gym memberships. | Not included. You must pay out-of-pocket or buy separate standalone insurance policies for these extras. |
| Travel Coverage | Usually restricted to emergencies only if you travel outside your local plan network or state. | Many plans offer emergency foreign travel benefits and nationwide access. |
| Predictability of Costs | Costs can vary based on healthcare usage. | More predictable healthcare expenses throughout the year. |
| Enrollment Underwriting | Usually available during annual enrollment periods without health questions. | Health underwriting may apply if enrolling outside your guaranteed issue period. |
| Best Suited For | Individuals seeking lower premiums and additional benefits. | Individuals who want maximum provider flexibility and predictable healthcare costs. |
| Crucial Rule: | A consumer cannot hold both a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medicare Supplement plan at the same time. Doing so is illegal, and the policies will not work together. |  |
Final Thoughts:
Your Best Opportunity to Secure Medicare Supplement Coverage Is When You First Become Eligible
A Medicare Supplement Plan is an excellent way to protect your health and your finances. With the right Medigap policy, you can minimize unexpected medical bills and enjoy your retirement with confidence.
Many people can move from a Medicare Supplement plan to a Medicare Advantage plan later during an enrollment period if their needs change. However, moving from Medicare Advantage to Medicare Supplement may require health underwriting in many states, meaning approval is not always guaranteed.
Think of Medicare Supplement as a long-term access decision. Your guaranteed-issue enrollment period, usually when you are turning 65, may be the easiest time you’ll ever have to obtain Medigap coverage.
Give us a call at 1-866-526-7264. One of our Medicare experts will be glad to assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap)
When you turn 65, your primary window to sign up for Medicare is called the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). It is a strict 7-month window centered entirely around your 65th birthday month.
Missing this window can lead to permanent, lifetime late-enrollment penalties and delays in your coverage, so understanding how it breaks down is critical.
The 7-Month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)
The timeline is divided into three distinct segments based on your birthday month:
[ 3 Months Before ] ➔ [ Birthday Month ] ➔ [ 3 Months After ]
1. The 3 Months Before Your Birthday Month
What it is: This is the best time to sign up.
Why it matters: Enrolling during this early buffer ensures your Medicare coverage starts exactly on the first day of your birthday month.
Exception: If your birthday falls on the first day of the month, your entire timeline shifts forward by one month. Your coverage will actually start on the first day of the prior month.
2. Your Birthday Month
What it is: The month you actually turn 65.
Why it matters: You can still sign up, but your coverage will be slightly delayed. It will go into effect on the first day of the following month.
3. The 3 Months After Your Birthday Month
What it is: Your final grace period to enroll without facing a premium penalty.
Why it matters: Similar to enrolling during your birthday month, your coverage will not start immediately—it begins on the first day of the month after you sign up.
To see exactly how this works in real life, let’s look at two completely different examples: Sarah, who is retiring right at 65, and David, who is working past 65.
Example 1: Sarah (Retiring at 65)
Sarah’s 65th birthday is July 15. She is retiring and needs her Medicare coverage to start as soon as possible.
Her 7-month Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) runs from April 1 through October 31. Here is how her timing impacts her coverage:
Scenario A (Best Choice): Sarah signs up in April, May, or June (the 3 months before). Because she filed early, her Medicare Part A and Part B kick in exactly on July 1.
Scenario B (Slight Delay): Sarah gets busy and signs up during her birthday month in July. Her coverage is delayed slightly and will start on August 1.
Scenario C (Last Minute): Sarah waits until the very end of her window and signs up in October (3 months after). Her coverage won’t start until November 1.
The Medigap Window: Because her Part B starts on July 1, her 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period triggers automatically. She has from July 1 through December 31 to buy a Medicare Supplement plan with no health questions asked.
Example 2: David (Working Past 65)
David’s 65th birthday is also July 15. However, David works for a large corporation with 500 employees and loves his job. He has excellent health insurance through his company and plans to keep working until he is 67.
At Age 65: David decides to enroll in Medicare Part A during his initial 7-month window (April–October) because it is free for most people and acts as secondary coverage. However, he safely delays Medicare Part B because his employer has more than 20 employees. He pays $0 in penalties because his current job insurance is considered “creditable.”
Two Years Later (The Special Enrollment Period): David decides to retire at age 67. His company insurance will end on September 30.
His Timeline: The moment his job insurance ends, a new clock starts. He gets an 8-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP) to sign up for Part B without penalties. To avoid a gap in coverage, David signs up for Part B in August, so it starts seamlessly on October 1—the day after his company plan ends.
His Medigap Window: Because his Part B didn’t start until he was 67, his 6-month Medigap window triggers then. He has 6 months from October 1 to buy a Supplement plan with guaranteed acceptance, even though he is well past his 65th birthday.
The First-of-the-Month Twist: If Sarah or David had been born on July 1 instead of July 15, the government would treat them as if they turned 65 in June. Their entire 7-month window would shift one month earlier (March 1 to September 30), and their Medicare coverage would start on June 1.
- A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan is private insurance that helps pay for out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
- Medigap works with Original Medicare, covering the gaps in costs. Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare and usually includes additional benefits like vision, dental, or prescription drugs.
- You can enroll during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. This six-month window allows you to buy any plan without medical underwriting.
- No. Medigap plans do not include Part D prescription drug coverage. You’ll need to purchase a separate Medicare Part D plan for drug coverage.
- Not during your Open Enrollment Period. After that window, you may be subject to underwriting and could be denied or charged more based on your health.
Plan G is currently the most popular choice among new enrollees due to its comprehensive coverage, including all gaps except the Part B deductible.
- Yes. Plans are standardized by the federal government. A Plan N from one company must offer the same coverage as Plan N from another company—the only difference is the premium and customer service.
Yes. You can see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare nationwide. No network restrictions apply.
- Some plans (such as Plan G and Plan N) provide limited emergency foreign travel coverage—usually up to $50,000 in lifetime benefits after a deductible.
- Yes, but depending on when you apply, you may be subject to medical underwriting and could be denied coverage or charged more.
- Premiums vary by plan, insurance company, location, age, and gender. Prices typically range from $80 to $300+ per month.
No. Medigap plans do not cover dental, vision, or hearing. You’ll need separate policies or Medicare Advantage plans for those services.
Your Medigap plan goes with you. However, pricing may change based on your new ZIP code.
Plan F is only available to people who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. New enrollees can consider Plan G, which is very similar.
No. Medigap policies are guaranteed renewable, meaning they automatically renew as long as you pay the premiums.
Reviewed by Dan Kampani
Licensed Insurance Professional
Coverage Alliance Insurance Services
Serving insurance clients since 2001
NPN 3203636