Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Guide 2026 – Plans Compared

✍️ BeSecuredNow Editorial Team | 📅 August 2026 | ⏱️ 5 min read

Key Takeaway: Medigap Plan G is the most comprehensive plan available to new Medicare enrollees in 2026 — it covers virtually all gaps in Original Medicare except the Part B deductible ($257 in 2026). Plan N offers lower premiums with some cost-sharing. Best time to buy: during your 6-month Open Enrollment Period when you first enroll in Part B.

Medigap Plans Available in 2026

Plan	Covers Part A Coinsurance	Covers Part B Coinsurance	Covers Part B Deductible	Foreign Travel	Best For
Plan G (most popular)	Yes	Yes	No ($257/yr out-of-pocket)	80%	Comprehensive coverage
Plan N	Yes	Yes (copays apply)	No	80%	Lower premium, some cost-sharing
Plan K	50%	50%	No	No	Lower premium, high OOP cap
Plan L	75%	75%	No	No	Mid-range protection
Plan A	Yes	Yes	No	No	Basic gap coverage

Plan G vs Plan N — The Key Decision

Medigap Plan G — Most Comprehensive

Covers all Original Medicare gaps except the Part B deductible ($257 in 2026). After paying the $257 deductible once per year, you have zero out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-covered services. Average cost: $100–$200/month depending on age, gender, and location. Best for frequent healthcare users or those who value predictability above all.

Medigap Plan N — Best Value for Healthy Seniors

Similar to Plan G but with $20 copays for office visits and $50 for ER visits (waived if admitted). Does not cover Part B excess charges (doctors who charge above Medicare rates — less than 5% of providers). Average cost $80–$160/month. Best for generally healthy seniors willing to accept minor cost-sharing for meaningfully lower premiums.

When to Buy Medigap — Critical Timing

The best time to buy Medigap is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period — which starts the first month you are both 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on pre-existing conditions. After this window, you may face medical underwriting and could be denied or charged significantly more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Medigap plans the same regardless of insurer?

The benefits for each plan letter are standardized by federal law — Plan G from Company A covers exactly the same things as Plan G from Company B. The only differences are premium price, financial stability of the insurer, and customer service. Always compare prices for the same plan letter across multiple insurers.

Can I use Medigap with Medicare Advantage?

No — Medigap is designed to work only with Original Medicare (Parts A and B). If you have Medicare Advantage, you cannot use a Medigap policy. If you want to switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare + Medigap, you may face medical underwriting for the Medigap policy.

What is the most popular Medigap plan?

Plan G is the most popular Medigap plan for new enrollees (Plan C and F are no longer available to those new to Medicare after January 1, 2020). Plan G's comprehensive coverage and predictable costs make it the standard recommendation for most financial advisors and insurance counselors working with new Medicare beneficiaries.