To help you navigate these options and find the best plan for your needs, we’ve teamed up with Chapter to provide personalized, 1-1 guidance.


As you navigate your Medicare options, you might come across Medigap, also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance. Medigap can be a great choice to help cover some of the out-of-pocket costs that Medicare Parts A and B don’t cover, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. But what about the cost of Medigap itself? Understanding how Medigap pricing works is essential to finding the right plan for your needs.

What is Medigap?

Before we get into costs, let's briefly review what Medigap is. Medigap, also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance, is designed to fill the "gaps" in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). These gaps include out-of-pocket costs such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medigap plans are sold by private insurance companies and can help protect you from unexpected healthcare expenses. Learn more about what Medigap is.

How Much Does Medigap Cost?

The cost of a Medigap plan varies based on several factors, including your location, age, gender, and the specific Medigap plan you choose. 

Let’s break down the key factors that influence Medigap premiums:

  1. Type of Medigap Plan: There are 10 standardized Medigap plans available in most states, labeled A through N. Each plan offers a different combination of benefits, and more comprehensive plans usually come with higher premiums.
  • **Plan F: If you had Medicare Part A and Part B before January 1, 2020, you may still be able to enroll in Plan F, which covers the Medicare Part B deductible. However, Plan F is no longer available to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, due to the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA). For those newly eligible, Plan G and Plan D are alternatives that provide comprehensive coverage, though they do not cover the Part B deductible. People who already have Plan F can keep their plan, but new enrollees must consider other options (Medicare.gov).
  1. Location: Where you live also affects your Medigap premium. Certain areas, particularly urban regions or states with higher healthcare costs, may have higher premiums than rural areas. Some states, like Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, offer their own standardized Medigap plans, which can also affect pricing.
  2. Age: Many insurance companies price Medigap policies based on your age. There are three main ways they do this:
  • Community-rated (No-Age-Rated): Everyone pays the same premium, regardless of age.
  • Issue-Age-Rated: Premiums are based on your age when you first buy the policy. The younger you are, the lower the premium.
  • Attained-Age-Rated: Premiums increase as you age.
  1. Health Status: While Medigap policies do not consider health conditions if you enroll during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, insurers may charge higher premiums based on health conditions or smoking status if you enroll later. Being a smoker, for instance, could result in a significantly higher premium.
  2. Insurance Company: Different insurance companies set their own prices for Medigap policies, even for the same standardized plan. It's essential to shop around and compare quotes from different insurers to find the best rate. 


To help you navigate these options and find the best plan for your needs, we’ve teamed up with Chapter to provide personalized, 1-1 guidance.


Medigap Premium Ranges

To give you an idea of potential costs, here are some average monthly premium ranges for different Medigap plans:

  • Plan A: $166 - $345
  • Plan G: $237 - $409
  • Plan N: $191 - $312
  • High-Deductible Plan G: $64 - $144

Keep in mind that these are general ranges, and actual costs can vary widely depending on your age, state, zip code, discounts, and insurance carriers. See more monthly cost estimates.

Other Costs Beyond Premiums

While the premium is the most obvious cost, it’s not the only one. There are other potential expenses to consider:

  • Deductibles: Some Medigap plans, like Plan F and Plan G, offer a high-deductible option, which means you’ll pay a lower premium but a higher deductible before the plan starts covering your costs.
  • Out-of-pocket Limits: Medigap Plan K and Plan L are unique because they set annual out-of-pocket limits. Once you reach this limit, the Medigap plan covers 100% of the approved costs for the rest of the year. However, plans with out-of-pocket limits often come with lower premiums.
  • Foreign Travel Emergency Coverage: If you travel outside the U.S. frequently, consider a plan that includes foreign travel emergency coverage. Plans that offer this benefit may have higher premiums.
  • Plan Exclusions: Medigap does not cover everything. For example, it does not include prescription drugs, vision care, dental care, or long-term care. You’ll need to budget separately for these services if you don’t have other insurance covering them.
  • Annual Rate Increases: Medigap premiums can increase each year due to inflation, changes in healthcare costs, or other factors. It’s important to factor in potential increases when budgeting for your Medigap plan.

How to Save on Medigap Costs

If you’re worried about the cost of a Medigap policy, there are several ways to potentially save money:

  1. Enroll During Open Enrollment: The best time to buy a Medigap policy is during your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this time, you have guaranteed issue rights, meaning you can’t be denied coverage or charged higher premiums due to preexisting conditions. If you miss this window, insurers can use medical underwriting to set your premium, and costs could be higher.
  2. Compare Plans and Shop Around: Because Medigap policies are standardized, it’s easy to compare the same plan offered by different insurers. Shopping around can help you find the best rate for the coverage you need.
  3. Consider Switching Plans: If your premiums have gone up significantly, you may want to look into switching to a different plan or insurer. However, be aware that if you switch after your Open Enrollment Period, you may face medical underwriting.
  4. Look for Discounts: Some insurance companies offer discounts for certain situations, such as being married, being a non-smoker, or paying your premium annually rather than monthly. Ask about any potential discounts when shopping for a Medigap policy. Learn more about Medigap Costs.

Medigap can help protect you from the high out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. But understanding how much a policy will cost is key to finding the right one for you. If you’re ready to explore your Medigap options, GetSetUp offers classes that break down your Medicare questions. Join a class today!

Reviewed By: Keith Gilbert


To help you navigate these options and find the best plan for your needs, we’ve teamed up with Chapter to provide personalized, 1-1 guidance.