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Medicare supplement plans, or Medigap plans, are plans offered by private insurance companies that cover some costs that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover. Here’s how to pick the right plan for you.
- Best overall: Humana | Skip to review
- Best for additional perks: AARP/United Healthcare | Skip to review
- Best plan discounts: Cigna | Skip to review
- Best selection of Medigap Plans: Blue Cross Blue Shield | Skip to review
Medicare plans
Original Medicare consists of Part A and Part B, and it covers some health-related costs. Part C is an alternative to parts A and B that you can get through a Medicare-approved private insurance company. Part D is an additional plan you can get through an approved private insurer.
Medigap
Medicare parts A and B don't cover all your expenses. Medicare supplement plans (Medigap plans) help cover a certain amount of additional expenses annually.
Medigap doesn’t cover everything
Though Medigap helps cover some costs, it has limits. We walk you through your options, what they cover, and more throughout the article.
Disclaimer on Medigap PlansThere is no average or estimated price for any Medigap plan. Each plan varies by state, health condition, insurance company, and a variety of other factors. To get a quote for your premium, contact your chosen insurance company, HelloMedicare, or the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which can help you find the best plan for you.
Best plan overall
- Coverage available: 49 states plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico
- Offered plans: A, B, C*, F*, G, K, L, and N
- Additional perks: Lifeline medical alert system; My Humana health savings program; discounts on vision care, dental care and hearing care; meal delivery service; SilverSneakers fitness program; foreign travel medical benefits up to a plan covered maximum amount (with some plans); 24-hour nurse hotline
- Company rating: not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) but has an A+ rating
- Why we chose it: It’s a large, stable, and well-known insurance company with a wide range of plan options. Several plans available in most states have affordable premiums, and many offer useful extra benefits.
Humana offers several Medigap supplemental insurance plans, including high deductible plans F and G.
The cost of a Humana Medigap plan depends on the plan type, the state you live in, and other individual factors such as your age, your sex, and whether you’re eligible for any discounts. High deductible plans have lower premiums, but you must meet certain deductibles before the plan pays anything.
With every Humana Medigap plan, you’ll have to pay certain costs, including a monthly Medigap plan premium, your Part A and Part B premiums for Medicare (if they’re not covered by the plan), and any other out-of-pocket costs not covered by the Medigap plan.
Plan options are A, B, C*, F*, G, K, L, and N. But not every plan is available in every state. Humana Medigap plans offer many extra benefits that make them attractive options to consider.
Plans A through G have higher premiums and lower out-of-pocket costs. Plans K, L, and N have lower monthly premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs, which may put them out of reach for some Medicare beneficiaries.
To find out more about Humana Medigap plans that are available in your area, you can call 844-496-4447 for assistance. Keep in mind that in some states, Humana Medigap plans are available only through insurance agents.
What we like
- Humana is a well-known insurance company.
- The company offers a wide range of Medigap plans with different benefits.
- There’s an additional 6% discount on the monthly premium if you enroll online.
What to look out for
- The additional discount is not available in California, Connecticut, Ohio, or Pennsylvania.
- The website does not offer sample rate information without enrollee information.
Best for additional perks based on membership
- Coverage available: 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- Offered plans: A, B, C*, F*, G, K, L, and N
- Additional perks: medical coverage for foreign travel (on some plans); discounts on vision, dental, and hearing care; gym membership; 24-hour nurse helpline
- Company rating: not BBB-accredited; has a D- rating
- Why we chose it: It’s a large, reputable insurance company with more than 4 million insured members nationally. It offers many Medigap plans, including several with extra benefits.
AARP/United Healthcare Medigap offers eight basic plans (A, B, C*, F*, G, K, L, and N), some of which offer extra wellness benefits with a higher premium. Your costs for a plan depend on where you live and the plan type you select. Plans K, L, and N have lower monthly premiums but higher annual out-of-pocket maximums.
To learn more about AARP/United Healthcare Medigap plans, you can visit the company’s website or call 844-271-7093 (toll-free). You can also compare plans and learn about the basic costs for different plans and the benefits offered by each plan.
What we like
- United Healthcare covers more than 4 million enrolled members.
- Different plans are available in all 50 states.
- Several plans offer additional benefits, including discounts on dental, vision, and hearing care.
- Plans also offer gym memberships and a 24-hour nurse helpline.
- You have the option to buy prescription drug coverage.
What to look out for
- You must be an AARP member to get a United Healthcare Medigap plan.
- Some plans with lower premiums have network requirements.
Best plan discounts
- Coverage available: 48 states and Washington, D.C.
- Offered plans: A, F*, G, N, and high deductible F and G
- Additional perks: health and wellness discounts, including fitness clubs; optional Part D prescription drug plans; Health Information Line
- Company rating: not BBB-accredited; has no rating
- Why we chose it: It’s a large, well-known insurance provider that offers significant discounts to sign up for a Medigap plan. Plans are available in most states, and several plans offer additional benefits.
Cigna is a large, nationally known insurance company. Cigna offers four basic plans (A, F, G, and N) and two high deductible plans (F and G). High deductible plans have lower premiums, but you must meet an annual deductible ($2,800 in 2024) before the plan pays anything.
Plans don’t have network requirements, and you can visit any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. Some plans also offer medical coverage for foreign travel.
Cigna offers significant discounts to sign up for a plan. You may qualify for up to a 25% discount, which includes up to a 20% discount on premiums and up to an additional 5% discount if you apply online for a Medigap plan.
To learn more about the different Medigap plans Cigna offers, you can visit the company’s website or call 855-891-9368.
What we like
- Cigna offers discounts on plans during new enrollment and additional discounts for signing up online.
- The Healthy Rewards program provides member discounts on health and wellness services, including fitness clubs, weight management programs, vision and hearing services, and telehealth services.
- Cigna offers Part D prescription drug coverage.
What to look out for
- Cigna offers a limited number of plans.
- The company has a relatively high number of complaints from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
- Plans with lower premiums have higher out-of-pocket costs.
Best selection of plans
- Coverage available: 50 states plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico
- Offered plans: A, C*, D, F*, G, N, and high deductible F and G
- Additional perks: vision, dental, and hearing discounts; optional Part D prescription drug plans; 24-hour nurse helpline; virtual well-being webinar programs; Blue 365 discounts on fitness programs, weight management, cooking classes, and more
- Company rating: not BBB-accredited; has an A+ rating
- Why we chose it: It’s a large national insurance company with several Medigap plans to choose from. The company’s website makes it easy to compare plans and review the costs and benefits of each plan.
Blue Cross Blue Shield is one of the largest insurance companies offering Medigap plans in every state. The company offers a range of plans, including A, C*, D, F*, G, N, and high deductible plans F and G. High deductible plans require you to pay an annual deductible ($2,800 in 2024) before the plan pays anything.
To learn more details about BCBS Medigap plans and compare plans, you can visit the BCBS supplement plans website or call 888-216-4858.
What we like
- Blue Cross Blue Shield is a well-known insurance company that offers several Medigap plan options in every state.
- It offers medical coverage for foreign travel up to a plan maximum amount.
- Plans offer health and wellness benefits, including discounts on vision, hearing, and dental care.
What to look out for
- Plans with lower premiums have network requirements.
| Provider name | Plans offered | National coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Humana | A, B, C*, F*, G, K, L, and N | 49 states plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico |
| AARP/United Healthcare | A, B, C*, F*, G, K, L, and N | 50 states and Washington, D.C. |
| Cigna Healthcare | A, F*, G, N, and high deductible F and G | 48 states plus Washington, D.C. |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | A, C*, D, F*, G, N, and high deductible F and G | 50 states plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico |
*Plans C and F are available only to those who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Medigap is a type of supplemental insurance that’s offered by private insurance companies. It helps pay for out-of-pocket expenses such as copays, coinsurance, and deductibles that Medicare Part A and Part B don’t cover. There are 10 Medigap plans: A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. However, not all plans are available in every state or to new members.
When choosing the best types of Medigap plans offered by insurance companies, we reviewed the types of plans offered, their availability by state, any discounts and additional benefits offered, and plan ratings.
Keep in mind that the best Medigap plan for you depends on your individual health needs, plan availability in your area, and the cost of the plan.
To learn more about your options and to help you choose a Medigap plan, you can reach out to the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). SHIP has trained volunteers who offer free, unbiased information about Medicare plans, including Medigap. They can help you find the best Medigap plan for your health needs.
You can also contact your state’s health department to learn about insurance companies that sell policies in your state and whether any complaints have been filed against them.
Finally, if you’ve narrowed down a few insurance companies for consideration, you can reach out to the companies directly through their websites or by phone to learn about Medigap plans they offer in your area and their costs. Some states may require you to contact an insurance agent to buy Medigap plans.
What’s a Medicare part vs. a Medicare plan?
- Medicare is made up of PARTS.
- Medigap, or Medicare supplemental insurance, is made up of PLANS.
So Part A of Medicare and Plan A from your Medigap insurance plan are NOT the same.
All supplemental insurance plans are the same from every insurance company. BUT not every insurance provider or state offers every plan.
Medicare is a federally funded health insurance program that’s available for those ages 65 years and older and some younger people with certain disabilities or chronic health conditions. There are four main parts of Medicare:
- Medicare Part A
- covers about 80% of many inpatient hospital services, including rooms, meals, nursing care, and medications (based on where you’re receiving care and whether it’s a flat fee)
- Medicare Part B
- covers about 80% of outpatient healthcare services, including doctor visits, durable medical equipment, and preventive care, as well as many vaccines, mental health services, and other types of outpatient care
- Medicare Part C, or Medicare Advantage plans
- one and the same; available through private, Medicare-approved insurance companies
- an alternative to Part A and Part B; covers almost everything parts A and B cover, and may cover prescription drug costs and more, although the specific benefits vary by insurance company
- Medicare Part D
- sold by private, Medicare-approved companies
- covers prescriptions drugs not already covered by Medicare Part A or Part B
Together, Medicare Part A and Part B are also known as Original Medicare. There are some things that Medicare Part A and Part B don’t cover, including deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket costs you may have.
Here’s where Medigap comes in: These supplemental plans fill in the “gap” between Original Medicare and parts C and D so you get more coverage for your out-of-pocket costs. Medigap coverage can help lower your costs, but you do have to pay a premium for these plans.
While most states follow federal and state insurance guidelines, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have different rules.
If you’re interested in adding a Medigap plan to your Original Medicare insurance coverage, it’s important to carefully consider all the available options where you live when choosing the most suitable plan for your needs.
There are 10 Medigap plans: A, B, C*, D, F*, G, K, L, M, and N. Plan premiums, benefits, and availability vary by state and insurance company.
Not all Medigap plans are available in every state or to everyone. Below is a list of the types of plans and some basic coverage information.
*Note: If you’re newly eligible for Medicare, some Medigap plans may not be available in your area, including Plan C and Plan F. If you already have one of these plans, don’t fret: The plan is yours to keep. If you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, you can still purchase Plan C or Plan F. Again, these plans vary by state and insurance company, so make sure you cover all your bases before choosing.
So, is Medigap Plan G the best?
Although there are 10 Medigap plans, not all plans are available in every state. In fact, only 3 plans account for the majority (80%) of all plans sold in most states. These are Plans F*, G, and N.
Plan G is a very popular option for many newly eligible Medicare enrollees because it offers comprehensive coverage for many out-of-pocket costs except for the Part B deductible. It may be right for you if you have greater health needs and you travel abroad. Plan G covers up to 80% of foreign medical expenses up to plan maximums.
However, Plan G typically has higher premiums than other Medigap plans. Plan G has similar coverage and benefits to Plan F and may be a good option for those who are not eligible to buy Plan F.
*Plan F is not available to you if you became eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020.
When choosing the best Medigap plan for you, consider these factors:
- your healthcare needs and what you’re likely to spend out of pocket each year
- which plans are offered where you live
- plan premiums
- plan benefits that matter to you
- ease of communication/contact with customer service
- financial stability of the insurance company
- extra perks offered by the plan you would use
Compare the plans offered in your area and their premiums. Keep in mind that you may not be able to switch plans once you choose a plan. Plans with lower premiums, such as plans K and L, may not cover some expenses, which could end up costing you more out of pocket. High deductible plans may have lower premiums, but you must meet a deductible ($2,800 in 2024) before the plan pays anything.
Bo Wang, chief medical officer of Medicare products at RVO Health, recommends keeping these questions in mind when you’re shopping for a Medigap plan. Also keep in mind that not everyone needs a Medigap plan, and what may work for one person may not work for another.
- Are there restrictions on which doctors I can see in-network?
- How do the benefits and out-of-pocket costs compare with those of other available Medigap plans?
- Why would a Medigap plan be a better option for me than a Medicare Advantage plan?
Do I need a Medigap plan?
You might consider getting a Medigap plan if you have Original Medicare and want to lower some of your out-of-pocket costs, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
When making your decision about adding a Medigap plan, review your annual medical expenses and compare them with the Medigap plan’s annual costs. Compare the different plans and their benefits. This will help you decide whether adding a Medigap plan would be a good idea to help you save on your annual healthcare costs.
Need to Know
Enrollment for Medigap lasts only 6 months. Open enrollment for any type of Medigap plan starts the month you turn 65 years old and lasts for up to 6 months. Medigap enrollment does NOT repeat each year.
Open enrollment
Open enrollment to sign up for a Medigap plan starts the month you turn 65 years old and continues for a total of 6 months. This one-time open enrollment period is the best time to select a Medigap plan. The Medigap open enrollment period doesn’t repeat each year like other Medicare open enrollment periods.
During open enrollment, you don’t have to go through a medical evaluation, and insurance companies cannot deny you coverage for any preexisting conditions you may have.
Once the open enrollment period passes, you may not be able to sign up for a Medigap plan in your area, or you may have to pay a higher premium. And once the open enrollment period has passed, an insurance company can deny you coverage based on your health or for any preexisting conditions you may have.
How to sign up
To sign up for a Medigap plan, you can go to the plan website and sign up directly, contact the insurance company or an insurance sales agent in your area by phone, or enter your zip code on the Medicare website to find Medigap plans in your area. Several insurance providers offer additional discounts if you sign up online.
But before you buy a Medigap plan, compare the costs of the plan you’re interested in as offered by various insurance companies in your area. Keep in mind that not all plans are available in every state and that plan costs can vary.
You may not be able to change plans once you’ve signed up for a plan, or you may have to pay higher premiums if you change plans. Carefully review all your options before making your decision.
It’s a good idea to talk with your state insurance department to get information about an insurance provider and find out whether they’ve received any complaints in your state about the plan you’re interested in buying.
You can also talk with a SHIP volunteer or work with a HelloMedicare representative about Medigap plans offered in your area. They can advise you on available plans and factors to consider.
The cost of Medigap plans varies depending on where you live, the specific plan you buy, your age, your sex, and other factors, such as insurance companies’ competitive rates for the same Medigap plans in your state.
Plans F, G, and N are the most popular Medigap plans based on the number of people enrolled. Most Medicare enrollees (80%) choose these plans because they offer more benefits. But Plan F is not an option for you if you became eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020.
High deductible plans F and G have lower premiums, but they have higher annual deductibles that you must meet before the plan pays anything. In 2024, the deductible is $2,800.
Most Medigap plans cover 100% of your Part A coinsurance and in-hospital benefits. Several plans also cover 100% of your Part A deductible, except Medigap Plan A (not covered). Plans K and M pay 50% of your Part A deductible, and Plan L pays 75% of your Part A deductible.
Keep in mind that you’ll still have to pay your Part B deductible with your Medigap plan, unless you have Plan F.
What we love about Medigap plans
- Medigap plans provide additional coverage for many out-of-pocket expenses, such as coinsurance, copays, and deductibles.
- You have access to a broad network of healthcare professionals — with most plans, you can visit any healthcare professional or hospital that accepts Medicare (but some plans have network requirements).
- Many plans provide extra benefits such as fitness programs and discounts on vision, dental, and hearing care.
- Some plans offer separate Part D prescription drug coverage.
- Many plans offer foreign travel medical coverage up to a plan maximum.
What to watch out for
- Plan premium costs can be high for more comprehensive coverage.
- With most plans for newly eligible Medicare enrollees, you’ll still have to pay a Part B deductible.
- You’ll pay separate premiums for prescription drug coverage.
- You cannot easily switch plans once enrolled.
- There’s only one open enrollment period.
Both Medicare Advantage plans and Medigap plans help cover some out-of-pocket costs that Medicare Part A and Part B don’t cover. But there are some differences between these two types of plans. Keep in mind that you cannot have both a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medigap plan.
Below is a brief comparison of Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans:
Part C plans
Medicare Advantage (Part C) combines Part A, Part B, and sometimes Part D (prescription drug coverage) into one plan. If your Part C doesn’t cover prescription drugs, you can buy Part D separately.
- Costs vary by insurance provider.
- Part C plans cover hospitalization, prescription drugs, and outpatient medical services.
- Some plans may offer additional benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing care; gym memberships; and transportation to medical appointments.
- Not all plans are available in every state. Check your state and insurance plan for eligibility.
Medigap plans
Medigap plans lower your costs for coinsurance, copays, and deductibles but don’t offer prescription drug coverage like Medicare Advantage plans. Some plans offer discounts on prescription drugs or offer separate prescription drug plans with premiums.
- Costs vary based on where you live, your age, your sex, and the specific plan.
- Some plans offer discounts on hearing and vision care and prescription drugs.
- Many plans cover most of your coinsurance, deductibles, and copays.
- Several plans offer added benefits such as gym memberships and a 24-hour nurse helpline.
- Several plans pay for foreign travel-related medical costs up to a plan maximum.
- Most plans allow you to go to any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare.
If you’re eligible for Medicare and are considering adding a Medigap plan, it’s a good idea to closely compare the plans offered in your state. When choosing the best Medigap plan for you, consider your annual out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, the plan premiums, the benefits offered by each plan, the insurance company’s rating, and the quality of each plan.
Once you’ve reviewed your overall costs and decided on a few Medigap plans that may work for your needs, compare the costs of the plan(s) you’re interested in as offered by reputable insurance companies. You can reach out to insurance companies through their websites or by phone.
Before signing up for a plan, you can also check with your state insurance department to find out whether any complaints have been filed against the insurance company.
Consider reaching out to a SHIP volunteer to discuss your options. They can offer free guidance on plans, benefits and other criteria for you to evaluate when making your choice.
The best supplemental insurance for Medicare depends on your individual needs.
When considering plan options, review your healthcare expenses, the benefits offered by each plan, the premium costs, and any extra perks offered by each plan. Keep in mind that you may not be able to switch plans once you’ve selected a Medigap plan.
Once you’ve decided on a Medigap plan, shop for the best rates from a few different insurance companies.
You may need a Medigap plan if you’d like to lower your out-of-pocket costs and want some extra health and wellness perks.
A Medigap plan may be right for you if you have Original Medicare and would like to lower your copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. And if you travel abroad, the right Medigap plan can cover most of your travel-related medical expenses up to the plan maximum.
Another benefit of a Medigap plan is that you can visit any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare (although a few plans may have network requirements).
No. You cannot have both a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medigap plan. The two types of plans offer some similar benefits but also have differences. See the section “Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare supplement plans” for details on the differences between these plans.
Open enrollment for Medigap starts the month you turn 65 years old and lasts for a total of 6 months. This is the best time to buy a Medigap plan. If you buy a plan during this period, an insurance company cannot require a medical evaluation to offer coverage, and you cannot be denied coverage based on a preexisting condition.
Open enrollment is a one-time period and does not repeat each year like other Medicare open enrollment periods.
Yes, it’s possible to buy a Medigap plan or switch plans after your open enrollment period. But you may not be eligible for all plans, and your cost may be higher depending on where you live, the insurance company, and other factors. In addition, insurance companies can require a medical evaluation before determining whether to offer you coverage.
You can still get Medigap Plan F if you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. But if you became eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020, you can no longer buy Medigap Plan F.