Medigap: pay more monthly, worry less always.
Medicare Supplement plans work alongside Original Medicare and pay most of what it leaves behind: deductibles, coinsurance, the open-ended 20 percent. Any doctor that takes Medicare, anywhere in the country, no referrals.
The gap Medigap fills
Original Medicare covers hospital and medical care, but it leaves significant gaps: a $1,736 hospital deductible per benefit period, a $257 annual Part B deductible, 20% coinsurance on all Part B services with no annual cap, and no coverage for skilled nursing facility coinsurance or foreign travel emergencies.
A Medicare Supplement plan, also called Medigap, is private insurance that fills those gaps. You pair it with Original Medicare and can add a standalone Part D drug plan. The result: predictable costs, any doctor that accepts Medicare, and no surprise bills.
The letters that matter in 2026
The three Medigap plans most people should compare
| Coverage | Plan G | Plan N | High-Deductible G |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A hospital deductible | $0 after deductible | $0 after deductible | $2,700 deductible first |
| Part B deductible (2026) | $257 (you pay) | $257 (you pay) | $257 (you pay) |
| Part B coinsurance | 100% covered | 100% covered | 100% after deductible |
| Part B copays | No copays | Up to $20 specialist / $0 PCP copay | No copays |
| Skilled nursing coinsurance | 100% covered | 100% covered | 100% after deductible |
| Foreign travel emergency | 80% covered (up to plan limits) | 80% covered (up to plan limits) | 80% covered (up to plan limits) |
The six-month window that changes everything
When you first enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B at age 65 or older, you enter a six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period. During this window, any insurance carrier must sell you any Medigap plan they offer — regardless of pre-existing conditions, health history, or claims experience.
After this window closes, carriers in most states can decline your application, impose waiting periods for pre-existing conditions, or charge higher premiums based on your health. This is the single most important enrollment decision in your Medicare journey. Miss it and your options narrow permanently.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Plan G and Plan N?
Plan G covers all Medigap gaps except the Part B deductible ($257 in 2026). Plan N also requires the Part B deductible, plus small copays of up to $20 for office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits (waived if admitted). Plan N premiums are typically lower than Plan G.
Can I see any doctor with Medigap?
Yes. Medigap plans work alongside Original Medicare, which is accepted by any doctor or hospital in the United States that takes Medicare. There are no networks, no referrals, and no prior authorizations required by the Medigap plan itself.
What is the Medigap Open Enrollment Period?
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is the six-month window that begins the first month you have both Medicare Part A and Part B and are age 65 or older. During this window, any carrier must sell you any Medigap plan regardless of health conditions. After this window, carriers can decline you or charge more based on health.
Why do Medigap premiums increase over time?
Medigap carriers raise rates based on inflation, medical cost trends, and claims experience. Some carriers use attained-age rating (your premium increases as you age), others use community rating (same for everyone). We review rate history at every annual renewal to ensure you are still getting the best value.
Do I still need Part D if I have Medigap?
Medigap does not cover prescription drugs. You need a standalone Part D drug plan to cover medications. If you do not enroll in Part D when first eligible, you may face a permanent late enrollment penalty added to your premium.
Want Plan G and Plan N priced for your ZIP code?
We compare rates from multiple carriers so you see the best value for your area.