Medigap Plan C is one of the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement Insurance plans available in most states. It covers 8 out of 9 standardized Medigap benefits — everything except Part B excess charges.
Important Eligibility Note
Plan C is no longer available to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. If you were eligible before that date, you may still be able to buy Plan C if it is offered in your area. Those who already had Plan C before 2020 can keep it.
What Does Plan C Cover?
Medigap Plan C includes nearly all of the major benefits offered by Medigap plans:
- 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)
- Foreign travel emergency care – up to 80%
What it does not cover: Plan C does not pay Part B excess charges. These can be avoided by using doctors who accept Medicare assignment.
Plan C vs. Other Medigap Plans
Plan C is very similar to Plan F, but unlike Plan F, it does not cover Part B excess charges. It offers broader protection than Plan G because it covers the Part B deductible — something only Plans C and F do. This makes it one of the most comprehensive options for those who still qualify.
How Common Is Plan C?
About 72% of insurers that sell Medigap plans offer Plan C. However, only around 5% of beneficiaries are enrolled, since it is closed to new Medicare enrollees. Premiums tend to be higher than less comprehensive plans due to the wide range of benefits.
When Can You Enroll?
The best time to enroll in Medigap, including Plan C, is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This 6-month window begins when you are at least 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurers cannot deny coverage or charge more because of health.
Outside of open enrollment, you may face medical underwriting unless you qualify for a guaranteed issue right.
Compare Plan C to Other Medigap Options
Use the grid below to see how Plan C stacks up against all standardized Medigap plans.
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 | |||||||||
Next Steps
If you became Medicare-eligible before 2020 and want robust coverage, Plan C may be a fit. Compare premiums with Plan F and Plan G to decide which works best for your budget and needs. Use our Compare Rates tool or talk with a licensed insurance agent for guidance in your state.