by Russell Noga | Updated November 5th, 2025

Comparing Medicare Supplement Plans for 2026

Are you looking to compare the best Medicare Supplement plans for 2026? We compare top-rated plans like Plan G, Plan N, High-Deductible Plan G, and Plan F. Discover their unique benefits, costs, and how they fit different healthcare needs. Make an informed choice for your health coverage this year.

 

Key Takeaways

• Medicare Supplement Plans, also known as Medigap policies, cover out-of-pocket costs not included in Original Medicare, helping to manage healthcare expenses for seniors.

 

• Popular Medigap options for 2026 include Plan G, Plan N, High-Deductible Plan G, and Plan F, each offering unique benefits suited for different healthcare and financial needs.

 

• Choosing the right Medigap plan requires evaluating personal healthcare needs, comparing premiums and costs, assessing insurance providers, and understanding special considerations like guaranteed issue rights.

 

Overview of Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Supplement Plans, also known as Medigap policies, are designed to cover costs that Original Medicare does not, such as out-of-pocket expenses.

These plans help lower the financial burden of healthcare by covering various out-of-pocket costs, including copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medigap plans are sold by private insurance companies, and the costs can vary between insurers.

To purchase a Medigap policy, you must first be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. These policies are standardized and categorized by lettered plans, each offering different benefits.

Understanding these options and how they complement your existing Medicare benefits is the first step toward ensuring comprehensive healthcare coverage.

 

Why You Need a Medicare Supplement Plan in 2026

In 2026, Medigap plans will continue to provide essential coverage for out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Original Medicare. As healthcare costs rise, these plans help create more predictable healthcare expenses for seniors, minimizing financial uncertainty. Medigap plans help cover significant out-of-pocket healthcare costs.

Moreover, Medigap plans allow beneficiaries to choose Medicare Advantage virtually any doctor that accepts Medicare, ensuring access to a broader range of healthcare providers.

This flexibility is particularly important as it ensures that you are not restricted by network limitations, which is a common issue with most Medicare Advantage plans and the best medicare advantage plan.

 

Top Medicare Supplement Plans for 2026

For 2026, the most popular Medigap options include the best medigap plan:

• Plan G

 

• Plan N

 

• High-Deductible Plan G

 

• Plan F

 

Each of these plans offers unique benefits that cater to different healthcare and financial needs. Medigap policies are categorized by letters, each providing different benefits. Resources such as the Medicare website provide tools to help individuals understand the coverage options for different Medigap plans.

Choosing the right plan means understanding its offerings and how they meet your healthcare needs. We will detail these plans, highlighting their key features and benefits to help you compare plan options.

 

Plan G: Comprehensive Coverage for New Enrollees

Plan G is an excellent choice for new enrollees seeking comprehensive coverage. This plan provides the same extensive coverage as Plan F, except for the Part B deductible. Plan G covers nearly all out-of-pocket costs, making it a popular choice among new Medicare beneficiaries.

One of the standout features of Plan G is its ability to cover costs that can otherwise be quite substantial.

These include hospital expenses, skilled nursing facility care, and foreign travel emergency coverage. Plan G covers most medical costs, allowing you to focus on your health without worrying about unexpected expenses.

 

Plan N: Affordable with Cost-Sharing

Plan N is recognized for its combination of low monthly premiums and substantial coverage, although it incorporates cost-sharing elements like copayments. This plan is ideal for those who are looking to save on premiums while still receiving significant coverage.

With Plan N, you will be required to cover certain copayments for doctor visits and emergency room visits, as well as office visits. Plan N remains economical for many, balancing affordability and coverage despite out-of-pocket costs.

 

High-Deductible Plan G: Low Monthly Premiums

High-Deductible Plan G offers a unique approach by allowing beneficiaries to pay lower monthly premiums in exchange for a higher deductible before coverage kicks in. This plan is suited for those who prefer reduced monthly payments but are willing to absorb higher out-of-pocket costs and out of pocket limits when medical situations arise.

The d deductible for High-Deductible Plan G is set at $2,870, which must be met before the plan begins to pay.

This annual deductible suits generally healthy individuals who do not anticipate frequent medical care, benefiting from lower premiums while still covering significant medical expenses.

 

Plan F: Best for Pre-2020 Enrollees

Plan F remains one of the most comprehensive options for those who became eligible for Medicare before 2020. It covers most healthcare costs fully, including:

• the Medicare Part A hospital deductible

 

• copayments

 

• Part B deductible

 

• some emergency care outside the U.S.

 

However, Plan F is exclusively available to individuals who qualified for Medicare before 2020. If you are one of these beneficiaries, Plan F offers extensive coverage that can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, making it a valuable option to consider.

 

How to Choose the Right Medicare Supplement Plan

Choosing the right Medicare Supplement Plan involves a thorough evaluation of your specific health needs and financial situation. When reviewing your plan, consider the following:

• Assess your Medicare plan each fall.

 

• Reevaluate Medigap plans every three to four years.

 

• Consider changes in healthcare needs.

 

• Review provider networks.

 

• Check medication coverage.

 

• Evaluate additional required benefits.

 

We will explore how to assess your healthcare needs, compare costs and premiums, evaluate insurance companies, and look for discounts and savings to inform your decision.

 

Assessing Your Healthcare Needs

Evaluating your health status and healthcare needs is crucial in choosing a suitable Medigap plan that aligns with your medical requirements. Considerations should include:

• Chronic conditions

 

• Medical history

 

• Prescription drugs

 

• Frequency of medical appointments

 

• Ongoing treatments

 

Consider these factors when selecting an appropriate Medigap plan.

Choose a Medigap plan that fits your needs by understanding its features and how it caters to your health conditions and doctor visit frequency. Plan G is often preferred by new enrollees due to its extensive coverage that includes all costs except the Part B deductible.

 

Comparing Costs and Premiums

When comparing Medigap plans, it’s important to evaluate pricing structures, including community-rated and issue-age premium models. Different Medigap plans may have varying premium structures, such as community-rated, issue-age rated, and attained-age rated.

Premiums for Medigap policies can vary significantly between insurance providers, making it essential to compare costs for plans with the same coverage. Understanding premium pricing methods helps you choose a plan that fits your budget and provides necessary coverage.

 

Evaluating Insurance Companies

Researching the financial health and customer satisfaction ratings of insurance companies can influence your Medigap policy choice. Research an insurance provider’s reputation and customer service ratings to ensure satisfactory claim handling.

Consider financial stability, customer satisfaction, and claim processing efficiency to make a well-informed choice. Researching consumer ratings and complaint ratios can help identify reputable insurance providers.

 

Looking for Discounts and Savings

Many insurance companies offer various discounts, such as:

• Discounts for non-smokers

 

• Discounts for paying premiums annually

 

These discounts can help reduce costs. Some Medigap policies offer discounts for certain demographics, such as:

• Non-smokers

 

• Those who pay annually

 

Many insurers also provide discounts based on factors like health status and payment frequency, which can lower overall costs. Paying a monthly premium annually instead of monthly can save money.

 

Special Considerations for Medigap Policies

Medigap policies come with several special considerations that beneficiaries should be aware of:

• Guaranteed issue rights allow certain beneficiaries to enroll in a Medigap plan without medical underwriting, protecting them from higher premiums or denial of coverage.

 

• Some states have unique Medigap regulations, which may include guaranteed issue periods.

 

• Variations in the enforcement of the birthday rule exist depending on the state.

 

Medicare SELECT policies may offer lower premiums but require beneficiaries to use specific providers to receive full benefits. Understanding these considerations can help you make a more informed choice about your Medigap policy.

 

Guaranteed Issue Rights and Protections

Guaranteed issue rights allow individuals to enroll in Medigap policies without undergoing medical underwriting under specific circumstances. If you lose certain health coverage, guaranteed issue rights let you secure a Medigap policy without being denied due to health issues.

These protections are crucial for individuals who might otherwise face higher premiums or denial of coverage based on their health status.

Knowing your guaranteed issue rights can provide peace of mind and ensure access to necessary supplemental coverage.

 

State-Specific Medigap Rules

Some states offer additional protections beyond federal requirements, allowing guaranteed issue periods for eligible individuals. The birthday rule in certain states enables individuals to switch Medigap plans without underwriting, enhancing consumer flexibility.

Understand your state’s specific Medigap rules to make an informed decision. These rules can impact your ability to change plans and the protections available to you, ensuring you receive the coverage you need.

 

Medicare SELECT Policies

A Medicare SELECT policy requires the use of specific providers for full benefits. These policies often have lower premiums due to provider restrictions.

While they can be cost-effective, it’s important to ensure that the providers in the network are Medicare approved and meet your healthcare needs.

You can switch from a Medicare SELECT policy to a standard Medigap policy within a year of enrollment. This flexibility can be beneficial if you find that the provider network is too restrictive or if your healthcare needs change.

 

Reviewing Your Plan Annually

Review your Medicare coverage annually because your plan and healthcare needs may change. Consider the following points:

• Only a little over half of Medicare beneficiaries check their plan details annually for changes in costs and coverage.

 

• Failure to review your Medicare plan can lead to costly errors.

 

• Many individuals do not choose optimal plans, resulting in overspending on healthcare.

 

Significant changes are expected in 2026, such as increases in Medicare Part B premiums and the catastrophic threshold for Medicare Part D, which can impact overall healthcare costs for beneficiaries.

The open enrollment period for Medicare and the medigap open enrollment period will begin on October 15, allowing beneficiaries to evaluate and switch plans amid upcoming changes.

Reviewing your plan annually ensures you maintain optimal coverage and avoid unexpected expenses related to prior authorizations.

In summary, the most popular Medicare Supplement plans for 2026 include:

• Plan G: Ideal for new enrollees seeking comprehensive coverage.

 

• Plan N: Offers affordability with cost-sharing.

 

• High-Deductible Plan G: Provides low monthly premiums for those willing to pay higher out-of-pocket costs.

 

• Plan F: Remains a top choice for pre-2020 enrollees due to its extensive coverage.

 

These plans offer various coverage options that cater to different healthcare needs and financial situations, including drug coverage and a drug plan, providing the same benefits.

Choosing the right Medicare Supplement plan involves assessing healthcare needs, comparing costs and premiums, evaluating insurance companies, and seeking discounts and savings.

Special considerations such as guaranteed issue rights, state-specific rules, and Medicare SELECT policies should also be taken into account. By reviewing your plan annually, you can ensure that you continue to receive the best coverage for your needs.

Summary

As we move into 2026, understanding and selecting the right Medicare Supplement plan is more crucial than ever. The right plan can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, provide access to a wide range of healthcare providers, and ensure predictable healthcare costs. Whether you are a new enrollee or someone who qualifies for pre-2020 plans, there is a Medigap plan that can meet your needs.

Take action now to review your current coverage, assess your healthcare needs, and compare plan options. By doing so, you can secure the best Medicare benefits and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your healthcare needs are covered. Remember, the key to a successful Medicare plan is not just choosing the right one initially but also reviewing it annually to adapt to any changes in your healthcare needs and the Medicare landscape.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the difference between Plan G and Plan F?

The main difference between Plan G and Plan F is that Plan G does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible, whereas Plan F does, but Plan F is only available to individuals who qualified for Medicare before 2020.

 

Why should I review my Medicare plan annually?

Reviewing your Medicare plan annually is essential to confirm it aligns with your healthcare needs, as it adapts to changes in costs, coverage, and personal health circumstances. This proactive approach helps prevent unnecessary expenses and ensures you have the best possible coverage.

 

What are guaranteed issue rights?

Guaranteed issue rights enable individuals to enroll in Medigap policies without medical underwriting under certain conditions, ensuring they cannot be denied coverage or face higher premiums due to health issues.

 

How do I compare Medigap plan costs and premiums?

To effectively compare Medigap plan costs and premiums, evaluate the different premium structures—community-rated, issue-age rated, and attained-age rated—while ensuring that you are comparing plans with identical coverage. This approach will help you identify significant cost variations among insurance providers.

 

What is a Medicare SELECT policy?

A Medicare SELECT policy offers lower premiums but mandates the use of designated providers to receive full benefits. Beneficiaries retain the option to transition to a standard Medigap policy within a year of enrollment if necessary.