2026 Medigap Guide
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Guide
Original Medicare covers about 80% of your medical costs — Medigap fills the remaining 20%. For seniors who want the freedom to see any doctor without networks, Medigap Plan G and Plan N are the most widely purchased policies in 2026.
How Medigap Works with Original Medicare
Medicare Part A pays
Hospital costs after the Part A deductible ($1,676 in 2026 per benefit period). Skilled nursing coinsurance begins day 21.
Medicare Part B pays
80% of outpatient/medical costs after the Part B deductible ($257 in 2026). You owe 20% with no out-of-pocket cap.
Medigap pays the rest
The 20% Part B coinsurance, Part A deductible and coinsurance, SNF coinsurance (days 21–100), and — for Plan G/N — foreign travel emergencies.
Medigap Plans Comparison (2026)
All Medigap plans are standardized — the same plan letter offers identical benefits from any insurer. Only premiums differ. Plans F and C are no longer available to new enrollees (only available if eligible before Jan 1, 2020).
| Plan | Deductible Owed | Part B Coinsurance | SNF Coinsurance | Foreign Travel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Plan G Comprehensive coverage — most popular choice for 2026 new enrollees | Part B deductible ($257) | $0 | Yes | Yes |
Plan N Lower premium with minimal copays — good for healthy seniors | Part B deductible ($257) | $20 office / $50 ER | Yes | Yes |
Plan G High-Deductible Lowest premiums — good for very healthy seniors who want catastrophic protection | $2,870 (2026) | $0 after deductible | Yes | Yes |
Plan K Very low premium — primarily for catastrophic coverage | 50% cost-sharing | 50% Part B | 50% | No |
Plan L Low premium with better-than-K cost sharing | 75% cost-sharing | 75% Part B | 75% | No |
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage: Which Is Right for You?
Choose Medigap + Original Medicare if:
- You want freedom to see ANY doctor who accepts Medicare
- You travel frequently (Medigap covers foreign emergencies)
- You want predictable costs with minimal copays
- You have complex or ongoing medical needs with many specialists
- You have a trusted doctor outside of MA networks
- You're willing to pay a monthly premium for peace of mind
Choose Medicare Advantage if:
- You want extra benefits (dental, vision, OTC allowance)
- Your doctors and hospital are in-network
- You're cost-conscious and rarely use care (low or $0 premium)
- You qualify for both Medicare AND Medicaid (D-SNP is best option)
- You prefer coordinated care through one insurer
- You're comfortable with network restrictions and referrals
You cannot have Medigap and Medicare Advantage at the same time. See our Medicare Advantage guide →
Medigap Enrollment: Timing Is Critical
The 6-month open enrollment window
Your Medigap open enrollment period starts the month you are both age 65+ AND enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this 6-month window, insurers MUST sell you any Medigap plan at the same price as a healthy person, regardless of pre-existing conditions. After this window, insurers can charge more or deny coverage in most states — missing this window is one of the most costly Medicare enrollment mistakes.
If you're still working with employer coverage at 65
You can delay Medicare Part B without penalty while covered by employer insurance. Your Medigap enrollment window opens when you leave employer coverage and enroll in Part B — not necessarily at 65.
If you previously had Medicare Advantage
Guaranteed issue rights exist when you leave Medicare Advantage within 12 months of first joining (trial right). Outside this window, switching from MA to Medigap requires medical underwriting in most states.
If your Medigap plan leaves your area or goes bankrupt
You have guaranteed issue rights to buy a new plan. Same if your employer group coverage ends.
Get free Medigap quotes from your state SHIP
SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) counselors can compare Medigap quotes from all insurers in your area at no cost, with no sales pressure. Call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit shiphelp.org to find your state SHIP program. Because Medigap plans are standardized, the lowest premium for your plan letter is always the best value.
Medigap FAQs
What is Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance?▾
Medigap (Medicare Supplement) insurance is private health insurance that fills the 'gaps' in Original Medicare — covering deductibles, coinsurance, and copays that you'd otherwise owe. You must have Original Medicare (Parts A & B) to buy Medigap. You cannot have Medigap AND Medicare Advantage at the same time.
What is the difference between Medigap Plan G and Plan N?▾
Plan G (most popular in 2026): covers everything after the Part B deductible ($257 in 2026) — zero out-of-pocket for hospital, specialists, and outpatient care once you meet the deductible. Plan N: lower premium than G but you pay up to $20 copay for office visits and $50 for ER visits. Best for healthy seniors with fewer visits who prefer premium savings over copay elimination.
Does Medigap cover assisted living or nursing home costs?▾
No. Medigap does not cover assisted living room and board, custodial care, or long-term nursing home stays. Medigap covers Medicare cost-sharing for medically necessary services. For assisted living costs, you need Medicaid, long-term care insurance, VA benefits (Aid & Attendance), or private savings.
Does Medigap cover skilled nursing facility coinsurance?▾
Yes — Plans G, N, and others cover the SNF coinsurance gap ($209.50/day in 2026 for days 21–100 after a qualifying hospital stay). This is a significant benefit: after a hip replacement, stroke, or other hospitalization requiring rehab, Medigap covers the SNF coinsurance that Original Medicare leaves uncovered.
When is the best time to buy Medigap?▾
The best time is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period — starts the month you are both 65 or older AND enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window, insurers cannot deny coverage or charge higher premiums due to pre-existing conditions (guaranteed issue). After this window, insurers can medically underwrite, potentially rejecting you or charging significantly more.
Can I switch Medigap plans after my open enrollment period?▾
It depends on your state. In most states, insurers can medically underwrite (reject or charge more) if you try to switch after open enrollment. Some states (NY, CT, MA, and a few others) have additional protections. Guaranteed issue rights exist in specific situations: losing employer coverage, losing Medicare Advantage coverage if the plan leaves your area. Outside those situations, switching is risky if you have significant health conditions.
How much does Medigap insurance cost in 2026?▾
Medigap Plan G premiums range from $100 to $300+/month depending on your state, county, age, and the insurer's pricing method. Plan N is typically $70–$200/month less than Plan G. IMPORTANT: same standardized plan benefits from any insurer — only premium differs. Get quotes from multiple insurers using your state's free SHIP counseling service or Medicare.gov.
What is the difference between Medigap and Medicare Advantage?▾
Medigap supplements Original Medicare (fee-for-service, no network, full choice of doctors). Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare with a private plan (uses networks, often has extra benefits like dental/vision). Key difference: Medigap gives you no-network freedom with no annual out-of-pocket maximum concern; Medicare Advantage has a defined OOP max but restricts you to a network. You cannot have both.
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