Medicare covers a lot, but it does not cover everything. In 2026, the Part A hospital deductible alone is $1,736 per benefit period, and Part B leaves you responsible for 20% of most outpatient costs with no annual cap. Medigap (also called Medicare Supplement Insurance) fills those gaps. As of 2026, there are 10 standardized Medigap plans labeled A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. Every insurer selling Plan G, for example, must cover the exact same benefits, but premiums vary widely by company and location.
This guide gives you the full comparison chart for all 10 plans, explains what each benefit means in plain language, and helps you figure out which plan is worth the premium you will actually pay.
Quick Answer: Plan G is the most comprehensive plan available to new Medicare beneficiaries in 2026, covering everything except the $283 Part B deductible. Plan N costs less per month but adds copays and excludes Part B excess charges. Plans C and F cover the Part B deductible too, but are only available to people who turned 65 before January 1, 2020.
What Is Medigap and Who Can Buy It
Medigap policies are sold by private insurance companies and regulated at the state level, but the benefit sets are standardized by the federal government. You must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B before you can buy a Medigap plan. Medigap does not work with Medicare Advantage. It only pairs with Original Medicare.
The best time to enroll is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. During this window, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge more due to health conditions. Outside of this window, insurers in most states can use medical underwriting, which can result in higher premiums or denial.
Check your Medicare eligibility at CoveredUSA before comparing plans. It takes about 2 minutes.
2026 Medicare Cost-Sharing Amounts Medigap Is Designed to Cover
Before reading the comparison chart, it helps to know the specific 2026 dollar amounts each benefit refers to, per CMS.gov:
| Medicare Cost | 2026 Amount |
|---|
| Part A hospital deductible (per benefit period) | $1,736 |
| Part A coinsurance, days 61-90 (per day) | $434 |
| Part A coinsurance, lifetime reserve days (per day) | $868 |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance, days 21-100 (per day) | $217 |
| Part B annual deductible | $283 |
| Part B coinsurance (outpatient) | 20% of approved costs |
| Part B excess charges (when provider charges above Medicare rate) | Varies |
| High-deductible Plan G annual deductible | $2,950 |
| Plan K annual out-of-pocket limit | $8,000 |
| Plan L annual out-of-pocket limit | $4,000 |
Medigap Plans Comparison Chart 2026 (Plans A Through N)
The table below shows which benefits each of the 10 standardized Medigap plans covers as of 2026. "Yes" means the plan pays 100% of that cost. Percentages indicate partial coverage.
| Benefit | Plan A | Plan B | Plan C | Plan D | Plan F | Plan G | Plan K | Plan L | Plan M | Plan N |
|---|
| Part A hospital coinsurance + 365 extra days | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Part B coinsurance or copayment | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 50% | 75% | Yes | Yes* |
| Blood (first 3 pints) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 50% | 75% | Yes | Yes |
| Part A hospice care coinsurance | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 50% | 75% | Yes | Yes |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 50% | 75% | Yes | Yes |
| Part A deductible ($1,736) | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 50% | 75% | 50% | Yes |
| Part B deductible ($283) | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Part B excess charges | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Foreign travel emergency (up to plan limits) | No | No | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | No | No | 80% | 80% |
| Out-of-pocket limit (2026) | None | None | None | None | None | None | $8,000 | $4,000 | None | None |
*Plan N pays 100% of Part B coinsurance except for copays of up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for ER visits that do not result in an inpatient admission.
Plans C and F are only available to people who became Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020. If you turned 65 on or after that date, you cannot buy Plan C or Plan F.
Source: Medicare.gov compare Medigap plan benefits
What Each Benefit Actually Means
Part A hospital coinsurance and 365 extra days: Original Medicare covers hospital stays up to 90 days per benefit period. After 90 days, you use lifetime reserve days. All 10 Medigap plans cover your share of those costs AND extend your coverage by 365 additional days once lifetime reserve days are gone.
Part B coinsurance: Original Medicare pays 80% of approved outpatient services. The 20% you owe has no annual cap, which is why a serious illness can cost tens of thousands out of pocket. Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, M, and N all cover this 20% in full (with Plan N's small copays). Plans K and L cover 50% and 75%, respectively.
Skilled nursing facility coinsurance: If you spend time in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare covers days 1-20 at 100%, but charges $217 per day for days 21-100 in 2026. Plans C, D, F, G, L (75%), K (50%), M, and N all cover this cost. Plans A and B do not.
Part A deductible: The $1,736 per-benefit-period deductible is one of the biggest out-of-pocket risks in Original Medicare. Most plans (B through N) cover it in full, except Plan A (which covers none) and Plan M (which covers 50%, or $868).
Part B deductible: Only Plans C and F cover the $283 Part B deductible in 2026. Because this deductible is relatively low, the extra premium you pay for a plan that covers it rarely saves money compared to just paying the deductible yourself.
Part B excess charges: Doctors who do not accept Medicare assignment can charge up to 15% above Medicare's approved rate. Only Plans F and G cover these excess charges. If you see any doctor you choose without checking their status, Plan G or F is the safer option.
Foreign travel emergency: Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N cover 80% of emergency care costs during foreign travel (after a $250 deductible, up to a lifetime limit). Plans A, B, K, and L do not include this benefit.
Plan-by-Plan Summary
Plan A
The most basic Medigap plan. Covers hospital coinsurance and Part B coinsurance but nothing else. Low premiums but significant exposure to the Part A deductible and skilled nursing costs. Best for people who want minimal coverage and low monthly costs.
Plan B
Adds the Part A deductible ($1,736) on top of Plan A benefits. Still no skilled nursing coverage, no foreign travel benefit.
Plan C (not available to new Medicare beneficiaries after Jan 1, 2020)
Covers nearly everything, including the Part B deductible. If you were Medicare-eligible before 2020 and have an existing Plan C, you can keep it.
Plan D
Similar to Plan C but does not cover the Part B deductible or Part B excess charges. A solid mid-tier option that is sometimes overlooked.
Plan F (not available to new Medicare beneficiaries after Jan 1, 2020)
The most comprehensive plan historically, covering every Medicare cost gap including the Part B deductible and excess charges. No longer available to people who turned 65 after 2019.
Plan G
The most popular plan for new enrollees in 2026. Covers everything Plan F covers except the $283 Part B deductible. Because the deductible is lower than the premium difference between F and G in most markets, Plan G often ends up being the better value. Average premiums range from $142 to $180 per month at age 65 according to MoneyGeek.
High-Deductible Plan G
Same benefits as Plan G but you pay the first $2,950 in Medicare-covered costs yourself (2026) before the plan pays anything. Average premiums are $50 to $55 per month. Best for healthy people who want catastrophic protection at a low monthly cost.
Plan K
Covers 50% of several benefits and has a $8,000 out-of-pocket cap for 2026. Lower premiums than most plans but requires more cost-sharing. Once you hit the $8,000 limit, Plan K covers 100% for the rest of the year.
Plan L
Similar to Plan K but covers 75% of benefits and has a lower out-of-pocket cap of $4,000 in 2026. A middle ground between Plan K and the fuller-coverage plans.
Plan M
Covers everything Plan D covers except it only pays 50% of the Part A deductible (so you pay $868 in 2026). Lower premiums than Plan G in exchange for sharing the hospital deductible.
Plan N
The second most popular plan in 2026. Lower premiums than Plan G (average $112 to $140 per month at age 65) in exchange for three trade-offs: copays of up to $20 for some office visits, up to $50 for emergency room visits that do not result in admission, and no coverage for Part B excess charges. Works well if you primarily see Medicare-participating doctors.
Plan G vs. Plan N: The Most Common Choice in 2026
Most new Medicare beneficiaries in 2026 are comparing Plan G and Plan N. Here is the math:
| Factor | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|
| Average monthly premium (age 65) | $142 to $180 | $112 to $140 |
| Part B deductible coverage | No (you pay $283/year) | No (you pay $283/year) |
| Part B excess charges | Covered | Not covered |
| Office visit copays | None | Up to $20 |
| ER visit copays | None | Up to $50 (if not admitted) |
| Monthly premium difference vs. Plan G | n/a | Save $30 to $40/month |
| Annual savings (premium only) | n/a | $360 to $480/year |
Plan N makes sense if you see doctors regularly but they all accept Medicare assignment, and you are unlikely to use the ER frequently. If you see specialists who might charge above Medicare rates, Plan G is worth the extra premium.
How to Apply for a Medigap Plan in 2026
When to Enroll
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is the best time to buy. It runs for 6 months starting the month you are enrolled in Medicare Part B and are 65 or older. During this window, no insurer can turn you down or charge you more because of health conditions.
Outside of this window, you may still switch plans but insurers can apply medical underwriting in most states.
Application Steps
- Confirm you have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). You cannot buy Medigap without both parts active. Verify your enrollment status at Medicare.gov.
- Decide which plan letter fits your needs. Use the comparison chart above to narrow down your choices.
- Compare premiums from multiple insurers. Benefits are standardized, but premiums can vary by hundreds of dollars per year for the same plan letter. Use the Medicare.gov Medigap plan finder to get quotes in your area.
- Check the insurer's pricing method. Insurers price Medigap using three methods: community-rated (same price regardless of age), issue-age-rated (based on age when you buy), and attained-age-rated (increases as you get older). Attained-age plans start cheaper but cost more long-term.
- Apply directly with the insurance company. During your Open Enrollment Period, you cannot be denied. Submit your application with your Medicare number and effective dates.
- Coordinate start dates. Make sure your Medigap coverage starts no later than when your Part B coverage begins to avoid gaps.
Documents Needed
- Medicare card (showing Part A and Part B effective dates)
- Government-issued photo ID
- Social Security number
- Proof of current address
- Payment information for first month's premium
Common Reasons Medigap Applications Get Denied (Outside Open Enrollment)
- History of recent cancer treatment
- Recent heart surgery or cardiac events
- End-stage renal disease (ESRD), generally disqualifying in most states
- Active nursing home stay
- Recent organ transplant
How Much Does Medigap Cost in 2026?
Premiums depend on your age, location, plan letter, and insurer. General ranges at age 65 for popular plans, based on MedicareSupplement.com data:
| Plan | Average Monthly Premium at Age 65 |
|---|
| Plan A | $80 to $120 |
| Plan B | $100 to $150 |
| Plan D | $110 to $160 |
| Plan G | $142 to $180 |
| High-Deductible Plan G | $50 to $55 |
| Plan K | $60 to $90 |
| Plan L | $90 to $130 |
| Plan M | $120 to $165 |
| Plan N | $112 to $140 |
These are averages. Actual premiums in your zip code may be higher or lower. Getting quotes from at least 3 insurers before enrolling is worth the effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular Medigap plan in 2026?
Plan G is the most popular Medigap plan for new Medicare beneficiaries in 2026. It covers all Medicare cost gaps except the $283 Part B deductible, which means your out-of-pocket exposure is limited to that one predictable annual cost. Plan N is the second most popular choice for people who want lower monthly premiums and do not mind small copays.
Are Medigap benefits the same no matter which company I buy from?
Yes. The federal government standardizes Medigap plan benefits, so every Plan G from any insurer covers the exact same services. The only differences are monthly premiums, customer service, and pricing method (community-rated vs. attained-age-rated). Shopping multiple companies for the same plan letter is one of the easiest ways to lower your Medigap costs.
Can I switch Medigap plans after I enroll?
Yes, you can apply to switch plans at any time, but outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, insurers in most states can use medical underwriting and may deny you or charge more if you have certain health conditions. A few states (like New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts) have stronger protections and allow year-round guaranteed issue. Check your state's rules before applying to switch.
Does Medigap cover prescription drugs?
No. Medigap plans do not cover prescription drugs. You need a separate Medicare Part D plan for drug coverage. If you want prescription coverage, you must enroll in a standalone Part D plan.
What is the difference between Medigap and Medicare Advantage?
Medigap works alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to cover cost-sharing you would otherwise owe. Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare with an all-in-one plan from a private insurer. You cannot have both. Medigap and Medicare Advantage cannot be combined. The right choice depends on how often you use healthcare, your preferred doctors, and your tolerance for out-of-pocket costs.
Are Plans C and F still available in 2026?
Plans C and F are only available to people who were Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020. If you turned 65 before that date, you can still buy Plans C and F in 2026. If you turned 65 on or after January 1, 2020, these plans are not available to you. The federal government eliminated first-dollar coverage plans (those that cover the Part B deductible) for new enrollees to reduce overuse of Medicare services.
What is High-Deductible Plan G and who is it right for?
High-Deductible Plan G has the same benefit structure as standard Plan G but requires you to pay the first $2,950 in Medicare-covered costs in 2026 before the plan kicks in. In exchange, premiums are much lower, around $50 to $55 per month at age 65 vs. $142 to $180 for standard Plan G. It works best for people who are relatively healthy, have savings to cover the deductible if needed, and want to lower their monthly expenses while still having catastrophic protection.
Can I use my Medigap plan when I travel internationally?
Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N include a foreign travel emergency benefit. After a $250 deductible, these plans cover 80% of medically necessary emergency care costs while traveling outside the U.S., up to a lifetime limit (usually $50,000). Plans A, B, K, and L do not include this benefit.
Check Your Medicare Eligibility Now
Before selecting a Medigap plan, confirm you qualify for Medicare and understand all your coverage options. Check your eligibility now at CoveredUSA. It takes 2 minutes.
Check My Medicare Eligibility
Understanding your full Medicare picture (Parts A, B, D, and Medigap options) helps you make a better decision. The Medicare eligibility guide at CoveredUSA walks through age, disability, and ESRD pathways for Original Medicare enrollment.
