Choosing a Medicare supplement plan can feel like a maze. One wrong move and you could be paying extra out‑of‑pocket for years. In this article you’ll get a clear rundown of the 29 top picks, how much they cost, what they cover, and a simple checklist to help you decide which one fits your wallet and health needs.
We’ll walk through each plan, point out hidden gaps, and give you actionable tips you can use right now. Let’s jump in.
1. Plan G , Complete coverage for most seniors
Plan G is the go‑to for many seniors because it fills almost every gap in Original Medicare. After you pay the annual Part B deductible ( $283 in 2026 ), the plan covers 100 % of the rest , hospital stays, doctor visits, labs, and even excess charges.
Why does it cost more than some other options? The premium reflects that broad coverage. The average monthly cost sits around $164, according to Medicare data. That’s higher than Plan N but lower than the legacy Plan F.
Because the benefits are standardized, you get the same coverage no matter which carrier sells it. The only thing that changes is the price. That makes shopping around important , a local carrier might charge $20 less per month.
Real‑world example: Mary, 68, lives in Ohio and visits her cardiologist twice a month. With Plan G she pays only the Part B deductible each year, and all her specialist visits are covered after that. She saves roughly $1,200 a year compared to a plan with copays.
When you look at the fine print, watch for any rider that adds a yearly out‑of‑pocket limit. Some carriers cap total out‑of‑pocket at $2,500, which can protect you from a surprise hospital stay.
For more details on how Medigap plans compare, see What Is The Best Medicare Supplement Plan For 2025. This guide breaks down the benefits you’ll see with each lettered plan.
2. Plan N , Low‑cost option with modest copays
Plan N trims the premium by shifting a few costs back to you. The average monthly premium falls between $90 and $140, making it the cheapest option that still covers most major gaps.
After the Part B deductible, you’ll still pay a $20‑$50 copay for certain office visits and emergency room trips that don’t lead to admission. Those copays are often waived for preventive care.
Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges. Those are rare , only about 1 % of claims face them , and many states have banned them outright.
Imagine you have a routine flu shot. That visit is preventive, so you won’t see a copay. But a specialist follow‑up that isn’t preventive could cost $20.
One senior in North Dakota shared that the lower premium let her afford a prescription drug plan (Part D) she needed. The modest copays never added up to more than $50 a year for her.
When you’re shopping, ask the carrier whether they offer a “no‑copay” option for preventive visits , some do.
Wikipedia’s overview of Medicare Supplement Insurance explains how each lettered plan differs in coverage and cost.
3. High‑Deductible Plan G , Lower premium, higher out‑of‑pocket
If you’re healthy and want a lower monthly bill, the high‑deductible version of Plan G could fit. You pay a $2,950 deductible before the plan kicks in, but the premium can drop by $30‑$50 per month.
Once you meet that deductible, the coverage mirrors standard Plan G , 100 % of the rest. This can work well if you pair it with a Health Savings Account (HSA) to cover the deductible cost.
Here’s a quick scenario: Jim, 72, rarely needs medical care. He pays $30 a month for the high‑deductible Plan G, saving $1,000 a year compared to standard Plan G. He also contributes $100 a month to an HSA, which he can use for the $2,950 deductible if a hospital stay occurs.
Watch this short video for a visual walk‑through of how the high‑deductible works.
One downside: the high deductible means you’ll pay a lot out‑of‑pocket before the plan starts helping. If you have chronic conditions, this may not be the right fit.
Make sure the carrier’s out‑of‑pocket maximum after the deductible is reasonable , many cap it around $5,000.
4. Plan F , Full coverage (legacy plan for pre‑2005 enrollees)
Plan F is the most complete Medigap option. It pays the Part B deductible, all coinsurance, and even excess charges. If you’re lucky enough to qualify (you must have been eligible for Medicare before 2020), it’s a solid choice.
The average premium tops out around $274 a month, making it the priciest option. That cost reflects the fact you never pay a copay or deductible.
Because it’s a legacy plan, availability varies by state. Some carriers have stopped selling it to new enrollees, but those who already have it can keep it for life.
Real‑world example: Tom, 66, qualified for Plan F when he first turned 65. He pays $274 a month, but his out‑of‑pocket costs are zero. Over ten years he has saved more than $5,000 compared to a cheaper plan that would have added copays.
If you’re still eligible, weigh the higher premium against the peace of mind of zero out‑of‑pocket costs.
How to pick the right plan , quick checklist
FAQ
What is the difference between Plan G and Plan N?
Plan G covers everything after the Part B deductible, while Plan N adds small copays for certain office visits and does not cover Part B excess charges. The premium gap is usually $20‑$50 a month, so Plan N can save money if you don’t need frequent specialist care.
Can I switch from Plan N to Plan G later?
Yes, but after the initial six‑month Medigap Open Enrollment Period you may face medical underwriting. Some states have guaranteed‑issue rules that let you switch without health questions. Check your state’s rules or talk to an agent.
Do high‑deductible plans affect my Part D coverage?
High‑deductible Medigap plans do not change your Part D prescription drug coverage. You still pay the separate Part D premium, and the deductible only applies to Medicare Part A and B services.
Is Plan F still available for new enrollees?
No. Plan F is only available to people who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you qualify, you can keep it, but you can’t buy a new one.
How do I know if my doctor accepts Medicare assignment?
Visit Medicare’s provider search tool. Enter the doctor’s name and you’ll see whether they accept assignment, which means you won’t face excess charges.
What should I look for in a carrier’s rate‑increase history?
Review the carrier’s annual notice of change (ANOC) for the past 3‑5 years. Consistent low increases (under 3 % per year) suggest stable pricing. High spikes may signal future premium shocks.
Do I need a separate Medigap policy for each state I live in?
Medigap policies are state‑specific, but most carriers let you move your policy if you change residence within the same state. Moving across state lines usually requires a new application and may trigger underwriting.
Can I combine a Medigap plan with a Medicare Advantage plan?
No. Medigap works only with Original Medicare (Part A and B). If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, you can’t have a Medigap plan at the same time.
Conclusion
There’s no one‑size‑fits‑all answer when it comes to the best Medicare supplement plan for the money. Plan G offers the broadest coverage with a moderate premium, making it ideal for those who want peace of mind. Plan N trims the cost but adds predictable copays, a smart pick for healthy seniors. High‑deductible versions of G and N lower premiums further, but you need an emergency fund or an HSA to cover the larger deductible.
If you qualify for legacy Plan F, it gives you zero out‑of‑pocket expenses at a higher price , perfect for those who value absolute certainty. Plans K, L, and M provide graduated cost‑sharing that can protect you from catastrophic bills while keeping monthly costs reasonable.
Use the quick checklist above, gather quotes from at least three carriers, and consider your health‑care usage patterns before you decide. The right choice can save you thousands over the course of your retirement.
Ready to take the next step? Get personalized quotes now and see which plan fits your budget and health needs.
- Do you qualify for legacy plans like F? If yes, compare premium vs zero out‑of‑pocket.
- Are you comfortable paying a high deductible for a lower premium? Look at high‑deductible G or N.
- Do you want predictable costs? Plans K, L, and M cap out‑of‑pocket expenses.
- How often do you see doctors? Frequent visits favor Plan G or L.
- Do you live in a state that bans Part B excess charges? That makes Plan N more attractive.
- Check carrier ratings and financial strength before you decide.
