Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap) in 2025

Medicare Supplemental Insurance, known as Medigap, covers a portion of your doctor and hospital bills, as well as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance up to the policy limits.

Many people on Medicare choose to add supplemental insurance called Medigap. Officially known as Medicare Supplemental Insurance, these plans fill in the gaps left by Original Medicare Part A and Part B. Monthly Medigap rates start at $35/month but can get as high as $488/month depending on the level of coverage.

Start comparing health insurance plans. Our guide below breaks down the top Medicare Supplement plans so you can pick the best policy at the right price.

Ready to discuss your Medicare supplemental insurance options? Licensed insurance agents are available now to answer your questions. Call (855) 634-0435 to discuss Medigap options, or enter your ZIP code to compare Medicare plans from local companies.

Medicare Supplemental Insurance Explained

What is Medigap? A Medicare Supplement insurance plan generally covers Medicare Part A and Part B coinsurance charges, including deductibles.

There are ten Medigap plans in all, but Medigap Plan C and Plan F are no longer available after January 1, 2020. Consider Plan D or Medigap Plan G instead.

Each Medigap plan is very similar save for a few key benefits.

For example, the most basic plan — Medigap Plan A — covers copayments for both Parts A and B, as well as hospice care and extended hospital stays. Medigap Plan B covers the same plus the Part A deductible.

What are the top five Medicare supplement plans? Since Plans C and F are no longer available, the best Medigap plans now are:

• Plan N: Cheaper than Plan G and covers 100% of Parts A and B except copays.
• Plan G: Closest to Plan F coverage. It doesn’t cover Part B premiums but pays for excess charges.
• Plan D: Same coverage as Plan G but doesn’t cover excess charges
• Plans K and L: Cheapest plans overall but you pay 50% (Plan K) or 25% (Plan L) of Medicare costs.

One of the biggest disadvantages of Medigap plans is that none cover Part B deductibles after January 1, 2020. Learn how to finance what your health insurance won’t cover.

Breaking Down Medicare Costs

How much does Medicare cost? Compare prices below. While Original Medicare costs remain constant, Medigap premiums will vary by company and region.

You are still responsible for copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles on Original Medicare. Part B only covers up to 80% after you’ve met the deductible, so you have to cover the remaining 20% yourself. This is where Medigap comes in.

Medicare Costs by Plan Type

Most Medigap policies do not have a maximum out-of-pocket limit (MOOP), which is the most you’d have to pay for covered services in a year.

If you anticipate having a lot of medical bills as you get older, compare Medicare Advantage plans for more comprehensive coverage.

Read More: Millennial’s Guide to Health Insurance

Enrolling in Medigap

Medicare Supplement health insurance is only available when you enroll in Original Medicare Part A and Part B. It is not available with Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage).

You’ll have the chance to sign up for Medigap during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). This starts three months before you turn 65 and ends three months after your birthday. Learn more about how to sign up for Medicare.

Do I really need supplemental insurance with Medicare? Important questions to ask before you enroll in Medigap are:

• Who qualifies for Medigap? Remember, you must already be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B to buy Medigap.
• Is there a reputable health insurance company? You can use the Medicare Plan Finder or contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to find insurance companies that offer Medigap policies near you.
• Did you compare Medigap policies? Use our comparison tool to compare different Medigap plans in your state and pick one that best suits your needs based on coverage options, costs, and personal health requirements.

Contact the chosen insurance company to apply. Check out these company reviews to avoid the worst Medicare supplement companies and find affordable Medicare and Medigap coverage:

• AETNA Health Insurance Review
• United Healthcare Health Insurance Review
• CIGNA Health Insurance Review
• Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Review 

Once approved, you will receive a confirmation letter and your Medigap policy details. Keep these documents in a safe place for future reference in case you need to follow up on a claim.

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage

Medigap and Medicare Advantage may appear to be similar alternatives to Original Medicare, but they are not the same policy. Medigap is supplemental coverage while Medicare Advantage is a private insurance option.

Medigap plans are not Medicare Advantage plans, and you cannot have both a Medigap plan and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time. However, you can buy Medicare Part D with Medigap since supplemental plans don’t typically offer prescription coverage.

Read More: What’s the difference between Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare?

Find the Best Medigap Plan for You

Medigap, or Medicare Supplemental Insurance, is designed to fill the coverage gaps left by Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). It helps cover out-of-pocket costs such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. 

Most Medigap policies do not limit out-of-pocket expenses, so high medical bills can still be a concern. Consider your healthcare needs and anticipate potential costs.

You might find a Medicare Advantage plan that matches your lifestyle better. Our expert guide to Medicare will help you find the right coverage.

Like Medicare Advantage, Medigap policies are sold by private insurers and come in different plans with varying benefits and premiums. It’s important to compare plans and prices to find the best fit for your healthcare needs. Call (855) 634-0435 to go over Medicare plans with a licensed insurance agent today.