Medigap Plans Explained: Which Medicare Supplement Plan Is Best for You in 2026?

Medigap — also called Medicare Supplement Insurance — fills the gaps that Original Medicare leaves you paying out of pocket. In 2026, Plan G is the most comprehensive Medigap plan available to new enrollees, and Plan N is the best value for healthier seniors willing to pay small copays. Here's everything you need to know to choose correctly.

What Medigap Does (and Doesn't) Cover

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers most major medical services — but it leaves you exposed to:

• Part A hospital deductible: $1,676 per benefit period in 2026
• Part B coinsurance: 20% of all outpatient costs with no annual cap
• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance: $209.50/day for days 21–100
• No out-of-pocket maximum

Medigap policies pay these gaps on your behalf. The best plans eliminate nearly all out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-covered services, leaving you with only your monthly premium.

What Medigap does NOT cover:

• Prescription drugs (you need a separate Part D plan)
• Dental, vision, hearing
• Long-term care
• Most care outside the U.S.

The 10 Standardized Medigap Plans

Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government — Plan G from Humana and Plan G from UnitedHealthcare offer identical benefits. The only differences between carriers are premium price and customer service.

Here's the full benefit matrix:

*Plans C and F are only available to Medicare enrollees who became eligible before January 1, 2020. **Plan N has copays: up to $20 for office visits, up to $50 for ER visits (waived if admitted).

Plan G vs. Plan N: The Real Decision

For anyone enrolling in Medicare after January 1, 2020, the meaningful choice is almost always between Plan G and Plan N.

Plan G

• Covers everything except the Part B deductible ($257 in 2026)
• You pay $0 in coinsurance, $0 in hospital costs, $0 for skilled nursing
• Highest monthly premium of available plans
• Best for: people who use healthcare frequently, want zero surprises

Plan N

• Covers everything Plan G covers, except:
  • Up to $20 copay for office visits
  • Up to $50 ER copay (waived if admitted)
  • Does NOT cover Part B excess charges (rare but possible if your doctor doesn't accept Medicare assignment)
• Premiums typically $30–$60/month lower than Plan G
• Best for: healthier people who see doctors infrequently, willing to manage small copays

The break-even math: If Plan G costs $50/month more than Plan N, you break even at 2–3 doctor visits per month. If you have fewer visits, Plan N saves money annually.

Medigap Costs: What to Expect in 2026

Medigap premiums vary by:

• Plan type (G is most expensive of the common plans)
• Your age at enrollment
• Your location (ZIP code and state)
• The insurance company (identical benefits, different pricing)
• Pricing method (community-rated, issue-age, attained-age)

Approximate 2026 Monthly Premiums (Plan G, National Averages)

Prices vary significantly by state. New York's community-rated system often has higher starting premiums but doesn't increase with age. Most states use attained-age or issue-age pricing that starts lower but increases over time.

Pricing methods matter a lot:

• Community-rated: Same premium for all ages. Starts higher at 65, doesn't increase with age.
• Issue-age: Set at the age you enroll, doesn't increase as you age (only for inflation).
• Attained-age: Increases every year as you age. Cheapest to start, most expensive over time.

The Medigap Open Enrollment Window

Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this 6-month window, insurance companies cannot deny you coverage, charge you more, or impose waiting periods due to pre-existing conditions.

This is the single most important window in Medigap planning. Miss it, and you can be medically underwritten — meaning you can be denied or charged more based on your health.

After open enrollment, switching plans requires medical underwriting in most states (Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York have guaranteed-issue protections beyond the initial window).

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage: The Fundamental Choice

Medigap is a supplement to Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is a separate enrollment path that replaces Original Medicare.

You cannot have both Medigap and Medicare Advantage simultaneously.

Medigap + Original Medicare is generally preferred by people who want maximum predictability, travel flexibility, and access to any Medicare provider nationwide.

Compare Medigap Plans in Your Area

Premiums for identical benefits vary significantly by carrier. Shopping across carriers is the highest-leverage action in Medigap selection — you can often find 20–40% premium differences for the same Plan G.

Use the Medigap Plan Comparison Tool → to compare plans, premiums, and carriers in your ZIP code — and to identify whether Plan G or Plan N fits your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Medigap plan for 2026? For most new Medicare enrollees, Plan G offers the most comprehensive coverage — paying all out-of-pocket costs except the annual Part B deductible ($257 in 2026). Plan N is the best value for healthier seniors who see doctors infrequently, offering similar coverage with $20–$50 copays and lower monthly premiums. Plans C and F (which cover the Part B deductible) are only available to people who became Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020.

When can I buy Medigap insurance? Your guaranteed-issue Open Enrollment Period is the 6 months beginning when you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B. During this window, insurers cannot deny coverage or charge extra due to health conditions. After this window, medical underwriting applies in most states, and you can be denied coverage or charged higher premiums.

What is the difference between Plan G and Plan N? Both plans cover the Part A deductible, Part B coinsurance, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and foreign travel emergencies. Plan G also covers Part B excess charges. Plan N does not cover excess charges and charges up to $20 for office visits and up to $50 for ER visits not resulting in admission. Plan N premiums are typically $30–$60/month lower than Plan G.

Does Medigap cover prescription drugs? No. Medigap policies sold since 2006 do not include prescription drug coverage. If you choose Medigap + Original Medicare, you need a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

RetireStack provides retirement planning tools and insurance guidance resources. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice. Medicare rules and premiums change annually. Consult with a licensed insurance agent or Medicare counselor (SHIP) for personalized guidance.