Medigap High-Deductible Plan F Costs and Benefits | 2025 Medicare Supplement Plans

High-Deductible Medigap Plan F offers the same benefits as standard Plan F, but with a much lower monthly premium in exchange for a higher deductible. This option can appeal to beneficiaries who want maximum coverage protection but are willing to take on more up-front risk.

Important Eligibility Note

High-Deductible Plan F is not available to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. If you qualified for Medicare before that date, you may still enroll in High-Deductible Plan F if it is offered in your state. Current enrollees are allowed to keep their plan.

How High-Deductible Plan F Works

High-Deductible Plan F includes the same coverage as standard Plan F, but benefits don’t activate until you meet the annual deductible. In 2025, that deductible is $2,870. Until you reach that amount, you are responsible for Medicare’s deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.

After you meet the deductible, the plan pays 100% of all covered costs, just like standard Plan F.

What High-Deductible Plan F Covers

Once the deductible is met, High-Deductible Plan F covers all 9 standardized Medigap benefits:

• Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (up to 365 extra days)
• Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment
• First 3 pints of blood
• Part A hospice care coinsurance/copayment
• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
• Medicare Part A deductible ($1,632 in 2025)
• Medicare Part B deductible ($257 in 2025)
• Medicare Part B excess charges
• Foreign travel emergency care – up to 80%

Example of Out-of-Pocket Costs

Before meeting the $2,870 deductible: You pay costs such as the Part A hospital deductible, the Part B deductible, and coinsurance for doctor visits or blood transfusions.

After meeting the deductible: The plan pays for all the same benefits as standard Plan F, meaning nearly no further out-of-pocket costs for the rest of the year.

High-Deductible Plan F vs. High-Deductible Plan G

Both Plan F and Plan G have high-deductible versions. The difference is that High-Deductible Plan F covers the Medicare Part B deductible, while High-Deductible Plan G does not.

Since the Part B deductible is $257 in 2025, you may save money with High-Deductible Plan G if its premiums are at least $21.50 per month lower than High-Deductible Plan F.

Average Costs

In 2025, the average monthly premium for High-Deductible Plan F was about $82.50. Actual premiums vary by age, gender, smoking status, pricing model, and location.

Pros and Cons of High-Deductible Plan F

• Pro: Lower monthly premiums than standard Plan F
• Pro: Comprehensive benefits once deductible is met
• Pro: Freedom to see any provider who accepts Medicare
• Con: High out-of-pocket costs until deductible is reached
• Con: Not available to new Medicare enrollees after Jan 1, 2020

When to Enroll

The best time to enroll is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This 6-month period begins when you are 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this time, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums due to health.

Outside of this window, you may face medical underwriting unless you qualify for a guaranteed issue right.

Compare High-Deductible Plan F to Other Medigap Options

Use the chart below to see how High-Deductible Plan F compares to other standardized Medigap plans, including High-Deductible Plan G.

Next Steps

If you became Medicare-eligible before 2020 and want broad coverage with lower monthly premiums, High-Deductible Plan F may be a good fit. Compare costs in your state with our Compare Rates tool or speak with a licensed insurance agent for personalized help.