Complete Guide to Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance)
Understand the 10 standardized Medigap plans and find the coverage that works best with your Original Medicare.
What is Medigap?
Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) is private insurance that helps pay for some of the healthcare costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover, such as:
- Part A and Part B deductibles
- Part A and Part B copayments and coinsurance
- Excess charges (when doctors charge more than Medicare-approved amounts)
- Foreign travel emergency care (up to plan limits)
Medigap does NOT cover: prescription drugs, vision care, dental care, hearing aids, or long-term care.
Medicare.gov: What's Medicare Supplement InsuranceThe 10 Standardized Medigap Plans
Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government. Each plan type (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N) offers the same basic benefits from any insurance company. Only the price differs.
Plan G (Most Popular)
Comprehensive coverage with one deductible
Plan N (Lower Premium)
Affordable option with small copays
✅ Covers Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
✅ Covers Part B coinsurance (with copays)
✅ Covers foreign travel emergency
⚠️ $20 copay for office visits
⚠️ $50 copay for ER visits
❌ Does NOT cover Part B excess charges
❌ Does NOT cover Part B deductible
Plan F (Closed to New Enrollees)
No longer available if you became eligible after 2020
✅ Most comprehensive coverage
✅ Covers Part B deductible
❌ Only available if eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020
Other Medigap Plans
Plans K & L
Offer partial coverage with cost-sharing. Lower premiums but you pay a percentage of costs.
Plans A, B, C, D, M
Varying levels of coverage. Less commonly chosen compared to Plans G and N.
When to Enroll: Guaranteed Issue Rights
Medigap Open Enrollment Period (Best Time)
Your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B.
Important: If you enroll later, you may face medical underwriting, higher premiums, or denial of coverage.
Special Enrollment Situations
You may have guaranteed issue rights in certain situations:
- Your Medicare Advantage plan is leaving Medicare or stops serving your area
- You move out of your plan's service area
- You're in a Medicare SELECT plan and move out of the service area
- Your Medigap insurance company goes bankrupt
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage
| Feature | Medigap | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Works With | Original Medicare (Parts A & B) | Replaces Original Medicare |
| Provider Network | Any doctor accepting Medicare | Network restrictions (HMO/PPO) |
| Drug Coverage | Need separate Part D plan | Often includes drug coverage |
| Out-of-Pocket Costs | Predictable, covered by Medigap | Copays/coinsurance per service |
Next Steps
Understanding Your Coverage Options
Beyond Medigap, understanding your complete Medicare coverage picture is essential. Explore our comprehensive guides on Medicare Parts A, B, C & D, enrollment timelines, and cost-saving strategies.
Explore Medicare 101