Medigap Guide
Medigap (Medicare Supplement): Plan G, Plan N & Enrollment Windows
Medigap fills the cost gaps left by Original Medicare — deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. Here's how Plan G compares to Plan N, why timing your enrollment matters, and how medical underwriting works outside your window. Reviewed with Kayla Price, licensed across 10 states.
Last reviewed: October 2026
What Is Medigap?
Medigap policies are sold by private insurers and standardized by the government into lettered plans (A through N in most states) — every insurer's "Plan G," for example, covers the identical set of benefits, so the only real differences between companies are price, customer service, and financial strength. Medigap only works alongside Original Medicare, not Medicare Advantage.
Which Is Better: Plan G, Plan N, or High-Deductible Plan G?
Plan G
Covers nearly everything Original Medicare doesn't, except the annual Part B deductible ($283 in 2026). Higher premium, very predictable costs.
Plan N
Lower premium than Plan G, but you pay small copays (up to $20 for some office visits, up to $50 for ER visits that don't result in admission) and any Part B excess charges.
High-Deductible Plan G
Same standardized benefits as Plan G after you meet the annual deductible: $2,950 in 2026 and $3,050 in 2027. High-Deductible Plan G is available only to people new to Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. Premiums vary by insurer.
Source: CMS Medigap deductible announcements.
Is Medigap Better Than Medicare Advantage?
Medigap pairs with Original Medicare and charges a fixed monthly premium for predictable, low out-of-pocket costs and no networks, while Medicare Advantage often has a lower premium and extra benefits in exchange for a provider network and variable out-of-pocket costs.
| Feature | Medigap | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Higher, fixed monthly premium | Often $0 |
| Deductibles | Plan-dependent (some cover Part B deductible) | Varies by plan |
| Network restrictions | None — any provider accepting Medicare | Yes — HMO/PPO network |
| Prescription coverage | Requires separate Part D plan | Often included (MA-PD) |
| Dental/vision/hearing | Not covered | Often included |
| Out-of-pocket max | Very low, highly predictable | Built in, required by CMS |
| Referrals needed | Never | Often, with HMO plans |
| Best for | Predictability, travel, frequent care | Lower cost, extra benefits, one plan |
Medigap Open Enrollment Period
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a one-time, 6-month window that starts the month you're both 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window, insurers must sell you any Medigap policy they offer, at the standard rate, regardless of health conditions.
Outside that window — or outside a guaranteed-issue right, such as losing other coverage involuntarily — insurers can use medical underwriting: asking health questions and potentially charging more or denying coverage based on your answers. This is the single most important timing decision in Medigap shopping.
Not sure if you're inside your window? Schedule a consultation with a Medicare agent to confirm your timing before you apply.
Related Reading
- Understanding Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans
- The Truth About Medicare Supplement Plans
- Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap: Which Is Right for You?
See also our Medicare Plans overview, the Medicare Advantage Guide, the Part D Guide, our Medicare FAQ, and our Medicare Glossary. For a more ground-up, self-paced walkthrough of Medicare basics, our free course at LearnMedicare.org is a good complement to this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Medigap?
Medigap, or Medicare Supplement insurance, is a private insurance policy that works alongside Original Medicare to help cover out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
What is the difference between Plan G and Plan N?
Plan G covers nearly all Medicare-approved out-of-pocket costs except the Part B deductible. Plan N has a lower premium but requires small copays for some doctor and ER visits, and doesn't cover Part B excess charges.
What is High-Deductible Plan G?
High-Deductible Plan G offers the same standardized benefits as Plan G after you meet its annual deductible. The deductible is $2,950 in 2026 and $3,050 in 2027; premiums vary by insurer. High-Deductible Plan G is available only to people who are new to Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
When is the best time to enroll in Medigap?
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is the 6-month window starting the month you're both 65 or older and enrolled in Part B — during this window, insurers can't deny you coverage or charge more based on health conditions.
Can I be denied a Medigap policy?
Outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period or a qualifying guaranteed-issue situation, insurers can use medical underwriting and may deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health history.
Does Medigap cover prescription drugs?
No. Medigap plans don't include prescription drug coverage — you'll need a separate Part D plan alongside your Medigap policy.
Can I switch Medigap plans later?
Yes, but outside your initial enrollment window or a guaranteed-issue right, switching typically requires medical underwriting, and the new insurer can decline you or adjust pricing based on health.
Is Medigap the same in every state?
Most states use standardized Medigap plans labeled A through N with identical benefits between insurers, though pricing varies. A few states use different rules — always confirm what's available where you live.
Reviewed by Kayla Price
Licensed Insurance Agent | NPN: 18530055
Licensed in NC, SC, GA, FL, VA, MD, MI, KS, TX, OH
Last reviewed: October 2026
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