Key takeaways
There are no “bad” Medicare supplement plans.
With all Medicare supplement plans, Original Medicare is your primary insurer. That means you keep the best benefits of Medicare; you have no network limitations and no insurance company has a say in your healthcare.
Medigap benefits are standardized across most of the United States, so the benefits for each plan letter are identical regardless of insurer.
Plan availability and pricing can vary by ZIP code, so it’s important to compare options—and to carefully consider your choice of Medicare supplement insurance company—based on your location.
The best way to find the right Medicare supplement for you, is to consider your personality. Are you a saver or just want peace of mind?
Best Medicare Supplement Plan in 2026.
There are ten standardized Medicare supplement plans, identified by the letters A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N, and Medigap plans are standardized across most of the United States. Each Medigap plan has different benefits, but the benefits for each plan letter are the same regardless of the insurer. For a detailed Medicare supplement plans comparison chart, you can see which benefits are included in each plan. Not all plans are available to everyone—Plans C and F are only available to those who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. Two plans offer a high deductible option.
Is there a best Medicare supplement plan?
Yes, the best plan is the one that provides the Medicare benefits you need at a monthly premium you feel comfortable paying.
Note the word “comfortable” — this matters because Medicare supplement plans require monthly premiums that may increase over time.
Different plans have varying cost-sharing levels. Some have lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs.
Consider both your health needs and finances carefully.
You must afford the plan now and be able to handle future premium increases and cost sharing.
Choosing Your Medicare Path
When you first enroll in Original Medicare you have the choice of either purchasing a Medicare supplement insurance plan or trading in your Original Medicare for a Medicare Advantage Plan. Medicare Advantage plans are Medicare replacement policies. They replace Medicare Part A and Part B with a privatized combined version managed by a for-profit insurance company.
With a Medicare Advantage Plan, your healthcare is controlled by the insurance company who then requires your doctor to seek prior authorization from them before performing any non-urgent procedure or service.
If you wish to keep your Original Medicare benefits, you can add to the insurance coverage with a Medicare supplement plan. The original Medicare plan remains your primary insurance, with the supplement acting in a supporting role. Medigap plans are specifically designed to supplement the original Medicare plan by helping cover the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare does not pay, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. This means Medigap helps protect you from costs that Original Medicare leaves for you to pay.
Medigap Seminars Insurance Agency Reviews.
Why Do People Choose a Medicare Supplement Plan?
People who choose the Medicare supplement route do so because they get to keep the two most important benefits of Original Medicare.
Medigap plans, also known as Medicare Supplement insurance plans, are offered by private insurers. They provide additional financial protection by covering gaps left by Original Medicare. Medigap plans offer national coverage, allowing you to use your benefits anywhere in the U.S. where Medicare is accepted. It’s important to note that Medigap plans only cover the individual policyholder; partners or dependents will need their own separate policies.
What are the benefits of having a Medigap plan? First, you are not limited by a network. With a Medicare supplement, you can see any doctor or go to any medical facility in the U.S. or its territories, as long as they accept Original Medicare. That’s almost every doctor and medical facility in the country.
Second, no insurance company has a say in your healthcare. Medicare’s intent is to cover everything that is medically necessary, and they rely on your doctor to determine medical necessity. Your healthcare decisions are between you and your doctor.
Keeping these two benefits of Original Medicare is overwhelmingly the deciding factor for those who choose a Medicare supplement over a Medicare Advantage plan. You get to keep the benefits of Original Medicare regardless of which supplement plan you choose or which insurance company you decide to go with. They all keep Original Medicare as your primary insurance.
‘Medigap’ vs ‘Medicare Supplement Insurance’
Before we get too far into this “best Medicare supplement” article I want to make sure I don’t forget a simple definition. You will often hear the term “Medigap plan”. A Medigap plan is the same thing as a Medicare supplement plan. They are simply two terms for the exact same insurance policies. Medigap plans are offered by private insurers to help cover costs not paid by Original Medicare.
What is a Medigap Plan?
Medigap policies, or Medicare supplement insurance plans, are standardized insurance policies designed to fit hand-in-glove with your Original Medicare. Medicare supplement plans cover costs such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance that Original Medicare does not pay. Medigap plans pay the copays, coinsurance, and some deductibles that Medicare does not cover. In addition, they set a limit on your annual out-of-pocket costs so that your financial risk is manageable. Medigap plans also help cover costs that exceed the Medicare-approved amount, ensuring beneficiaries are not left with unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
However, Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage, so you will need a separate Part D plan for medications. Additionally, Medigap plans do not cover additional benefits such as long-term care, private-duty nursing, vision, dental, hearing aids, or eyeglasses.
For example, if Medicare beneficiaries receive outpatient services, Traditional Medicare health insurance will pay 80% of the Medicare bill (after a small annual deductible). Most Medigap plans have basic benefits that will pay the Part B coinsurance costs of 20%, so you will have zero financial cost for your Medicare bill.
What Is a Standardized Policy?
Because these Medigap plans are standardized, there is no difference in benefits from one insurance company to the other. In fact, the benefits are written into Social Security law. The only difference is price; what you pay today and what price increases you will experience in the years ahead.
Medicare supplement plans put an annual maximum out of pocket limit on your financial risk for health care costs without giving up your control of your health care to an insurance company. With a Medigap plan your maximum annual out of pocket expenses for Medicare services could be as low as a few hundred dollars, no matter the total cost of medical services.
Eligibility and Enrollment in 2026
Who is eligible for Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans?
To be eligible for a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan, you must have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and be at least 65 years old. Some states also offer plans to people under 65 with certain disabilities or health conditions.
Initial enrollment period and open enrollment rules
The initial enrollment period for Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans is the six-month period that starts the first month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this time, you have guaranteed issue rights, meaning you can select any plan available in your area without undergoing medical underwriting.
This is a crucial period because it ensures that you can get coverage regardless of any pre-existing conditions. After this period, you may still apply for a plan, but insurance companies can refuse to sell you a plan or impose medical underwriting requirements. Some states may have additional open enrollment periods, including those for people under 65, and there may be other situations in which your acceptance may be guaranteed.
It’s essential to be aware of these rules to make the most informed decision about your Medicare Supplement Insurance.
Read this article to know more about Medicare Supplement Enrollment PeriodMedicare Supplement Enrollment Period
Guaranteed Issue Rights for 2026
Guaranteed issue rights are a crucial protection for anyone considering Medicare Supplement insurance plans in 2026. These rights ensure that you can purchase a Medigap plan—such as Plan N or Plan G—without facing medical underwriting, meaning insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums due to pre-existing health conditions. The most important time to take advantage of guaranteed issue rights is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins when you are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window, you have the freedom to select any Medicare supplement insurance plan available in your area, with no questions asked about your health history.
Guaranteed issue rights also come into play in specific situations outside of your initial enrollment. For example, if your Medicare Advantage plan is discontinued, or if you move out of your plan’s service area, you are granted another opportunity to enroll in a Medigap plan without medical underwriting. This is especially important for those who want to avoid unexpected out of pocket costs and maintain comprehensive coverage for the costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay.
Understanding your guaranteed issue rights can help you make confident decisions about your Medicare supplement options, whether you’re interested in a traditional Plan N, a high deductible plan, or another Medigap plan that fits your needs. Take advantage of these protections during your open enrollment period to secure the best coverage for your healthcare needs and budget.
Are Medicare Supplement Plans Worth It?
Let’s address the elephant in the room: there are no bad Medicare supplement plans. Every Medicare supplement plan does exactly what Medicare requires.
These plans allow you to see any doctor or medical facility that accepts Medicare, keeping your healthcare decisions between you and your doctor.
Over 95% of doctors and hospitals accept Medicare, and they accept any Medigap plan from any insurance company.
Major insurance companies pay most bills electronically within 48 hours, with the rest typically paid within two weeks, so you and your doctor don’t need to worry about payments.
Original Medicare plus a Medigap policy offers some of the best health insurance coverage available in the U.S.
If you’ve already chosen a Medicare supplement plan over Medicare Advantage, congratulations—you’ve made a great choice.
Compare Medigap Plans
Footnotes & Legend
- ✓ Covered. ✕ Not covered. Percentages show how much the plan pays.
- * High-deductible versions may be available for Plans F and G.
- ** Out-of-pocket limits apply only to Plans K and L.
- *** Plan N pays Part B coinsurance except: up to $20 office visit & up to $50 ER if not admitted.
Which Medicare Supplement Is Right for You?
The table above simplifies comparing Medicare supplement plans, but typically only two or three plans are competitively priced in most areas. Premiums can vary widely between providers due to company size, management, and underwriting criteria.
When choosing a plan, remember that the insurance company you select has a bigger impact on your lifetime premiums than the specific plan benefits. Some companies raise prices more aggressively regardless of the plan chosen.
To make the best decision, work with experienced independent Medicare insurance advisors who understand lifetime costs beyond current premiums. Avoid agents who base recommendations solely on commissions, and consider consulting a licensed Medicare representative for free guidance. For more information on whether you need an insurance agent for Medicare, see do I need an insurance agent for Medicare.
Compare Medicare Supplement Plans
The two Medicare supplement plans I will focus on in this article are Medigap Plan G and Medigap Plan N. According to industry research from Gen-Re, over 80% of all Medigap plans purchased are one of these two plans. Plan G is now the plan of choice for many new enrollees because it offers most of the same coverage as the popular Medigap Plan F. If you want to delve into these plans more, after this article, I suggest my video titled “Medicare Supplement Maximum Out of Pocket Limits“. It’s an eye opener.
Some people are still interested in Medicare supplement Plan F. You can read more on this Medigap plan in the linked article. Both Plan F and Plan G are standardized Medigap plans, but it’s important to note that Medigap plans, including Plans F and G, do not include prescription drug coverage. If you need drug coverage, you will need to purchase a separate Medicare Part D plan for your prescription drug needs.
Often, we see people attempting to identify the best Medicare supplement plans by reviewing the details of their benefits, then creating hypotheticals of “what if I get this disease?” or “what if I never get sick” and so on. That is an absolutely incorrect way to compare Medigap plan benefits or identify which is the best Medicare supplement plan for you.
There is an easier way and one that does not require that you predict what Medicare-covered medical expenses you may incur in your lifetime. All you need do is know yourself; your personality.
Which Personality Are You?
I spent over three decades managing other peoples’ assets. I learned early on that the best path to success is to have a portfolio with a risk profile that matches the investor. For some, if a portfolio was too volatile, the investor would make emotional decisions at the wrong time. For others, if a portfolio did not keep up with their desired returns, they would chase after returns that already occurred and lose money.
Finding the right Medicare plan is almost exactly the same thing. It’s a matter of the plan with benefits that fit your personality so that you feel comfortable with your Medigap plan.
Peace of Mind Person
I see new Medicare beneficiaries in the same situation. I would categorize people into two different personalities. There are those who want their insurance to take care of everything. Cost is not as important as simply not having to deal with medical bills. These are people who want “peace of mind” from their health insurance more than anything else.
The Saver
A second group of people are those who like to save money. They want good things, but feel a sense or reward when finding a way to lower the cost. They often enjoy participating in the process of saving money as well. Many of these people are coupon clippers, or they have a favorite gas station a block or two out of the way that always has the lowest gas prices.
Using these two personalities, let’s look at which supplement is best for each.
High Deductible Medicare Supplement Plans
High Deductible Medicare Supplement plans, such as High Deductible Plan G, offer a unique way to balance monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. With these plans, you pay a lower monthly premium in exchange for a higher annual deductible.
For 2026, the deductible for High Deductible Plan G is set at $2,950. Once you meet this deductible, the plan covers 100% of the Medicare-approved amount for all covered services, giving you the same comprehensive benefits as standard Plan G.
These high deductible plans are a popular choice for individuals who are relatively healthy, have fewer medical expenses, or simply want to keep their monthly premiums as low as possible. Offered by private insurance companies like UnitedHealthcare and Mutual of Omaha, high deductible Medigap plans provide a cost-effective way to manage healthcare costs while still enjoying the peace of mind that comes with Medicare supplement coverage.
If you’re comfortable managing a higher deductible and want to benefit from the flexibility and nationwide coverage of a Medigap plan, a high deductible plan may be the right fit.
It’s a smart option for those who prefer to pay for medical care as needed, rather than committing to higher monthly premiums. As always, compare plan options from different insurance companies to find the best combination of coverage and affordability for your needs.
Medicare Supplement Plan G
Medicare supplement Plan G offers the most comprehensive coverage available to new Medicare enrollees. With Plan G, your inpatient hospital services are fully covered, meaning zero out-of-pocket costs for hospital stays.
Your only expense is your monthly premium and the annual Medicare Part B deductible, which for 2026 is $283. After paying this deductible once per year, Plan G covers 100% of Medicare-approved outpatient services.
Plan G is known as the “Peace of Mind Plan” because it provides extensive coverage, allowing beneficiaries to avoid unexpected medical bills. While premiums may be higher, many choose Plan G for its comprehensive protection and simplicity.
Medicare Supplement Plan N
Let’s compare Medicare plans and look at Medicare supplement Plan N.
Medicare supplement Plan N offers less comprehensive coverage than Plan G but costs less. More people today are finding Plan N to be their personal “best Medicare supplement” than ever before. Keep in mind, Plan N still provides full coverage. You get 100% coverage for inpatient care. The outpatient differences are minor, making Plan N often the best value. Both plans have very low out-of-pocket costs.
Plan N covers 100% of inpatient hospital care, just like Plan G.
You will pay the Part B deductible when you first see a doctor each year.
Medigap Plan N Copays
With Plan N, you pay up to a $20 copay for doctor visits, whether to a primary care doctor or specialist. Emergency room visits have a $50 copay, which are waived if you are admitted as an inpatient.
The $20 copay applies only to diagnosis and evaluation visits. Due to healthcare changes from COVID, urgent care and telehealth visits are billed similarly, so a $20 copay may apply for those as well.
What Are Medicare Part B Excess Charges?
Plan N does not cover Medicare Part B excess charges. These charges occur when a doctor bills up to 15% above the Medicare-approved amount. Most doctors (over 98%) accept Medicare assignment and cannot charge excess fees.
There are no excess charges for inpatient (Part A) care.
Do Specialty Hospitals Charge Excess Charges?
Currently, no major hospitals charge excess fees.
Why Choose Medicare Supplement Plan N?
People choose Plan N to save money. To avoid excess charges, check if your doctor accepts Medicare assignment using the Medicare.gov physician finder before your first visit.
Plan N suits those who enjoy saving money and are willing to take small steps to avoid extra costs—similar to coupon clipping or driving a bit further to save on gas.
Compare Cost Savings in Copays Per Month
Plan N can save you $15 to $50 per month in premiums compared to Plan G, depending on where you live. Consider how many office visits you have monthly to decide if Plan N’s copays make it a better value.
Network Restrictions and Provider Choice
One of the standout advantages of Medicare Supplement insurance plans is the freedom to choose your healthcare providers. Unlike most Medicare Advantage plans, which often require you to use a specific network of doctors and hospitals, Medigap plans—including popular options like Plan F and Plan G—allow you to see any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare. This means you’re not limited by a plan’s network or forced to get referrals to see specialists.
This flexibility is especially valuable if you travel frequently, split your time between different states, or simply want the peace of mind that comes from knowing you can access top-quality care wherever you are. Whether you’re considering Plan G, Plan F, or another Medigap plan, you’ll receive the same benefits regardless of which private insurance company you choose, and you’ll always have the ability to see any Medicare-approved provider.
For many, this open access to care is a key reason to choose a Medicare supplement over a Medicare Advantage plan. It helps you manage healthcare costs more predictably and ensures you’re never caught off guard by network restrictions. When evaluating your Medicare plan options, consider how important provider choice and flexibility are to your lifestyle and healthcare needs.
Claims Process for Medicare Supplement Plans
Navigating the claims process with Medicare Supplement insurance is designed to be as simple and stress-free as possible. When you receive medical care, your provider submits the claim directly to Medicare. After Medicare pays its share, the remaining balance is automatically forwarded to your Medigap insurance company, which then pays according to your plan’s benefits—covering copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles as outlined in your policy.
For example, if you have Plan N, you’ll be responsible for up to a $20 copay for office visits and up to a $50 copay for emergency room visits if you’re not admitted. Plan G, on the other hand, covers all Part B coinsurance after you pay the annual deductible. In both cases, the process is handled electronically, so you rarely need to file any paperwork yourself.
This streamlined system means your out-of-pocket costs are minimized, and you can focus on your health rather than dealing with insurance forms. Whichever Plan you choose, you’ll benefit from a hassle-free claims process and reliable coverage for your Medicare-approved services. Understanding how claims are handled can give you added confidence as you select the Medicare supplement insurance plan that’s right for you.
Which Personality Are You?
Both Plan G and Plan N are good plans for different personalities.
Those who want peace of mind and prefer to avoid unexpected costs often choose Plan G despite higher premiums.
Those who want to save money and don’t mind managing small copays and checking doctors’ billing practices often prefer Plan N.
Which fits you better? Peace of mind with Plan G or savings with Plan N?
