How to Buy a Medigap Policy
Buying a Medigap policy is a straightforward process, but timing and plan choice matter. Here are the three steps to get covered with Medicare Supplement Insurance.
Step 1: Decide Which Plan You Want
Medigap policies are standardized by law. In most states, they are identified by letters: Plans A–D, F, G, and K–N. Each plan covers a different set of benefits, but every Plan with the same letter offers the same coverage no matter which insurance company sells it.
Step 2: Find Policies in Your Area
Price is the only difference between Medigap policies with the same letter sold by different companies. Enter your ZIP code to the left to see which plans are offered in your state and compare real policy options.
Premiums can vary a lot from one state to another and even between companies selling the same plan. That’s why it pays to compare carefully and only work with licensed, trustworthy insurers. Be cautious of anyone using high-pressure sales tactics or making promises that sound too good to be true; Medigap policies are standardized by law, so the benefits don’t change, only the price does.
Step 3: Contact the Company
Once you’ve compared your options, request an official quote directly from the insurance company. Premiums can vary based on when you buy, your age, and sometimes your health conditions. When you’re ready, reach out to the company to enroll in your Medigap policy.
Tip: Your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window, companies can’t deny you coverage or charge more because of pre-existing conditions.
Benefits offered by each Medigap plan
Compare the benefits of each lettered plan to help you find one that meets your needs now and in the future. You might not be able to switch Medigap policies later.
✔ = Plan covers 100% ✘ = Plan doesn’t cover % = Amount the plan covers
| Benefits | A | B | C | D | F | G | K | L | M | N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance & hospital costs | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Part B copays/coinsurance | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 50% | 75% | ✔ | ✔ |
| Blood (first 3 pints) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 50% | 75% | ✔ | ✔ |
| Part A hospice | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 50% | 75% | ✔ | ✔ |
| Skilled nursing facility | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 50% | 75% | ✔ | ✔ |
| Part A deductible | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | 50% | 75% | 50% | ✔ |
| Part B deductible | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Part B excess charges | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | ✔ |
| Foreign travel emergency | ✘ | ✘ | 80% | 80% | 80% | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ | 80% | 80% |
| $7,220 | $3,610 | |||||||||