Medicare Supplement Insurance, or Medigap, is private health insurance designed to “fill the gaps” in Original Medicare (Parts A and B). In 2026, these plans remain standardized by the federal government, meaning the benefits for a specific plan letter (like Plan G) are identical regardless of which insurance company you choose.
How Medigap Works in 2026
Medigap policies only work with Original Medicare. You cannot have a Medigap plan and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time.
- Secondary Payer: Medicare pays its share of the approved amount first; your Medigap policy then pays its share (such as your 20% coinsurance).
- Nationwide Access: You can see any doctor or specialist in the U.S. who accepts Original Medicare; no referrals or network restrictions apply.
- Guaranteed Renewal: As long as you pay your premium, the insurance company cannot cancel your policy, even if you develop health problems.
Top Medigap Plans for 2026
While there are 10 standardized plans (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N), most beneficiaries in 2026 choose Plan G or Plan N.
Medigap Plan G: The Most Comprehensive
Plan G is the “gold standard” for new enrollees because it covers nearly every out-of-pocket cost.
- What it Covers: 100% of the Part A deductible ($1,736), Part A hospital coinsurance, and the 20% Part B coinsurance.
- Your Only Cost: You are responsible for the $283 Part B deductible once per year.
- Excess Charges: Plan G is one of the few plans that covers “Part B Excess Charges” (up to 15% extra that some doctors may charge).
Medigap Plan N: The Budget-Friendly Alternative
Plan N typically has lower monthly premiums than Plan G but requires more cost-sharing.
- What it Covers: The Part A deductible and most Part B coinsurance.
- Your Costs: You pay the $283 Part B deductible, plus small copays: up to $20 per office visit and up to $50 for emergency room visits.
- Note: Plan N does not cover Part B Excess Charges.
High-Deductible Options (G & F)
For those who want lower premiums and are willing to take on more risk, high-deductible versions are available.
- 2026 Deductible: You must pay $2,950 in out-of-pocket costs before the plan pays anything.
2026 Medigap Cost Comparison Table
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N | Plan K | Plan L |
| Part A Deductible | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% |
| Part B Coinsurance | 100% | 100%* | 50% | 75% |
| Part B Deductible | You Pay | You Pay | You Pay | You Pay |
| Part B Excess Charges | 100% | No | No | No |
| 2026 OOP Limit | None | None | $8,000 | $4,000 |
Note: Plans C and F are only available to individuals who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Enrollment and Pricing
- Open Enrollment: The best time to buy is during your one-time, 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period (starting the month you are 65+ and enrolled in Part B). During this time, companies cannot deny you coverage or charge more for pre-existing conditions.
- Pricing Styles: Companies use three ways to set premiums: Community-rated (same price for all), Issue-age-rated (price based on age when you buy), or Attained-age-rated (price goes up as you get older).
Source: Medicare.gov, “2026 Guide to Choosing a Medigap Policy”; and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
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