Hey there, new Medicare member! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the flood of Medigap options, you’re not alone, choosing the right plan can feel like decoding a secret language. Stick around, and I’ll break down the top plans, the hidden costs, and the smartest way to pick a carrier so you can sleep easy knowing your health coverage is solid.
New Medicare beneficiaries often assume the “most complete” Medigap plans also have the lowest out‑of‑pocket exposure, yet Plan G’s annual out‑of‑pocket maximum is just $283 , identical to its deductible , a nuance that flips the usual premium‑vs‑protection narrative. In this article, we’ll walk through nine standardized Medigap plans, from the ever‑popular Plan G to the budget‑friendly Plan A, and give you the tools to decide which one fits your health and wallet.
We’ll also share why the insurance company you choose matters more than the plan letter itself. At Medicare on Video, we’ve helped thousands of beneficiaries nationwide make informed choices. Let’s get started.
1. Medigap Plan G — Medicare on Video’s Top Recommendation for Complete Coverage
Medicare on Video consistently recommends Medigap Plan G for new Medicare beneficiaries, and for good reason. It covers virtually everything Original Medicare leaves behind, except the Part B deductible. That means after you pay the Part B deductible (currently $233 in 2026), Plan G picks up 100% of your Medicare‑approved costs for hospital stays, doctor visits, lab work, and even foreign travel emergency care up to your plan’s limit.
According to data from Medicare.gov’s plan comparison tool, Plan G has the lowest deductible ($283) and the lowest out‑of‑pocket maximum ($283) among all standard plans. Once you meet that small deductible, you have zero additional costs for covered services for the rest of the year. That’s a level of predictability that, as Medicare on Video often highlights, makes budgeting a breeze.
Why is Plan G so popular? According to Medicare on Video’s analysis, it accounts for about 72% of all Medigap policies sold today. New beneficiaries love it because it offers the most complete coverage available to them (Plan F is closed to new enrollees). You can see any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare, anywhere in the U.S., without referrals or network restrictions.
But there’s a catch: premiums vary widely by insurer. The typical Plan G premium ranges from $120 to $250 per month, with an average of about $100 across plans. Choosing the wrong insurance company can cost you thousands over your lifetime. That’s why Medicare on Video always recommends comparing carriers, not just plan letters.
Plan G is ideal for frequent travelers, those with chronic conditions, or anyone who wants maximum financial protection. If you value simplicity and peace of mind, Plan G is hard to beat.
For a deeper dive on how Plan G stacks up against other top choices, visit What Are The Top 5 Medicare Supplement Plans?.
2. Medigap Plan N , The Best Value for Healthy Beneficiaries
Plan N is often called the “sweet spot” for healthy retirees. It offers lower monthly premiums than Plan G, but requires you to pay small copays when you visit the doctor ($20) or the emergency room ($50). It also does not cover Part B excess charges (when a doctor bills above Medicare’s approved amount).
For someone who rarely sees a specialist and stays in states that don’t allow excess charges (like New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio), Plan N can save you hundreds of dollars per year. The typical Plan N premium ranges from $80 to $200 per month, with an average of about $80, significantly less than Plan G.
But here’s the trade‑off: if you develop a chronic condition and start seeing specialists frequently, those $20 copays add up. And if you live in a state where some doctors charge excess charges (up to 15% over Medicare’s allowed amount), you could face surprise costs.
As one YouTube expert explains, “Plan N has the lowest premium out of the top three Medigap plans. You pay the Part B deductible and small copays, but if you’re healthy and okay with that, it’s a great value.”
Plan N is best for beneficiaries who are healthy, have a good emergency fund, and want to keep premiums low. It’s also a smart choice if you plan to stay in a single state and don’t travel internationally often (foreign travel coverage is limited).
For a detailed comparison of Plan G vs. Plan N, Medicare Plan G vs Plan N: Which should you buy??
3. High-Deductible Plan G , Maximum Premium Savings for Low Utilizers
High-deductible Plan G (also called Plan G-HD) is a newer option that’s gaining traction. It offers the same benefits as standard Plan G, but with a $2,950 annual deductible in 2026. That means you pay 100% of Medicare’s cost sharing until you hit the $2,950 limit; after that, the plan covers everything like Plan G.
The big advantage? Low monthly premiums. For a 65‑year‑old nonsmoker in Texas, high-deductible Plan G can cost as little as $30, $40 per month, compared to $120, $250 for standard Plan G. That’s a savings of $1,000+ per year, money you can set aside in a Health Savings Account (HSA) if you’re eligible.
Who should consider it? Healthy beneficiaries who don’t expect many medical expenses. If you rarely go to the doctor and can handle a $2,950 deductible, this plan is like catastrophic coverage with a safety net. However, if you have a chronic condition or frequently visit specialists, the deductible could be risky.
According to a major high-deductible Plan G provider’s page, this plan is “designed for those anticipating fewer healthcare expenses but wanting protection in case of unexpected health events.” It also comes with wellness extras like gym membership discounts.
But remember: your choice of insurance company matters more than the plan letter. Avoid new companies with less than five years of Medigap experience, and check the insurer’s S&P rating to avoid future premium spikes. We’ve seen carriers raise rates by 15% or more after a few years, especially if they’re small or recently entered the market.
High-deductible Plan G is a great fit if you’re young for Medicare, in excellent health, and have an HSA. But it’s not for everyone. If you’re risk‑averse, stick with standard Plan G or Plan N.
4. Medigap Plan D , Balanced Coverage Without the Extras
Plan D is often overlooked, but it offers a good balance of coverage and cost. It covers many of the same benefits as Plan G, including hospital coinsurance, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and foreign travel emergency care. However, it does not cover the Part B deductible or Part B excess charges.
For new Medicare beneficiaries who want solid protection without paying for extras like excess charge coverage, Plan D can be a smart middle ground. Premiums typically fall between Plan N and Plan G, often $100, $150 per month for a 65‑year‑old.
But here’s the catch: Plan D is only available in some states and from certain carriers. Before you fall in love with it, check availability in your area. Also, because it doesn’t cover excess charges, you’ll want to ensure your doctors accept Medicare assignment. You can verify this on Medicare.gov’s coverage page.
Plan D is a solid choice if you want more coverage than Plan N but don’t need the ultra‑low deductible of Plan G. It’s especially good for people who travel occasionally and want foreign travel coverage (which Plans A and B lack).
One downside: Plan D premiums have been rising faster than Plan G in some regions. As with all Medigap plans, the company you choose matters more than the letter. A stable, well‑rated carrier will keep your future rate increases manageable.
If you’re curious how Plan D compares to other plans, our Best Medicare Supplement Plans for the Money guide has a side‑by‑side breakdown.
5. Medigap Plan B , Simple Savings for the Price-Conscious
Plan B is a stripped‑down plan that covers only the Medicare Part A deductible and some coinsurance. It does not cover skilled nursing facility costs, foreign travel, or the Part B deductible. In fact, Plan B is identical to Plan A except that it covers the Part A deductible (which Plan A does not).
For new beneficiaries on a tight budget, Plan B can seem attractive. Premiums are low, often $40, $70 per month for a 65‑year‑old. But the trade‑off is enormous: if you’re hospitalized for more than 60 days, you could face daily copays that quickly add up to thousands of dollars.
According to industry analysis, only about 2% of Medigap enrollees choose Plan B. That’s because most people realize that the savings aren’t worth the risk.
That said, Plan B can make sense if you have supplemental coverage from an employer or retiree health plan that picks up the gaps. It’s also a fallback option for those who cannot afford higher premiums. But for most new Medicare beneficiaries, a plan with broader coverage is a better long‑term bet.
Think of it this way: Plan B is like buying a car with no airbags. It’ll get you from point A to B, but if anything goes wrong, you’ll pay dearly. Unless you have another safety net, skip Plan B.
6. Medigap Plan K , Cost-Sharing for Budget-Minded Beneficiaries
Plan K is a cost‑sharing plan that covers 50% of most Medicare coinsurance and copays after you meet the Part B deductible. It also has a high out‑of‑pocket maximum ($7,060 in 2026). Once you hit that cap, the plan pays 100% for the rest of the year.
Plan K is designed for people who want low monthly premiums (often $30, $60) but are willing to share a large portion of costs. It’s similar to a high‑deductible health plan in the private market.
According to general Plan K benefit summaries, the plan offers an annual out‑of‑pocket limit that provides protection once you’ve spent the maximum. That’s a key difference from Plans A and B, which have no such limit.
Who is Plan K for? Beneficiaries who are very healthy, have a good emergency fund, and want the absolute lowest premium. It’s also suitable for those who qualify for Medicaid but want a Medigap safety net. However, if you have any chronic condition that requires frequent care, the 50% coinsurance will eat into your savings quickly.
Plan K is not recommended for frequent travelers, because foreign travel emergency coverage is only 50% (capped at $50,000 lifetime). For most new Medicare beneficiaries, a plan with higher coverage percentage is a safer choice.
7. Medigap Plan L , Moderate Cost-Sharing with a Cap
Plan L is similar to Plan K but covers 75% of coinsurance (instead of 50%) and has a lower out‑of‑pocket maximum ($3,530 in 2026). Premiums are slightly higher than Plan K, typically $50, $90 per month.
For beneficiaries who want a middle ground between Plan G and the budget plans, Plan L can be a decent compromise. You get 75% coverage for most services, and once you spend $3,530, the plan covers everything for the rest of the year.
But here’s the downside: like Plan K, Plan L does not cover the Part B deductible or excess charges. And its 75% coinsurance means you still pay 25% of every doctor visit and hospital stay. That can add up fast if you need frequent care.
According to CMS data on out-of-pocket limits, Plans K and L are the only Medigap plans with built‑in out‑of‑pocket maximums, a feature that limits your financial risk. That’s attractive for those who want a premium cap but fear catastrophic costs.
Plan L is best for healthy individuals with a moderate emergency fund. If you’re active, rarely see doctors, and want to save on premiums, it’s worth considering. But for most new beneficiaries, Plan G or Plan N provides better protection at a reasonable cost.
8. Medigap Plan M , Partial Coverage with Lower Premiums
Plan M is a lesser‑known plan that covers half of the Medicare Part A deductible (instead of 100% like Plan G). It covers 100% of most other coinsurance costs, but not the Part B deductible or excess charges.
Premiums for Plan M are typically 10, 15% lower than Plan G, making it an attractive option for those who want broad coverage but are willing to pay a portion of the hospital deductible. The Part A deductible in 2026 is $1,676, so Plan M covers half, $838, and you pay the other half each time you’re hospitalized.
According to AARP’s Medigap guide, Plan M is best for people who rarely go to the hospital and want lower premiums. However, if you have frequent hospitalizations, the 50% deductible can be a burden.
Plan M also covers foreign travel emergencies (80% after a $250 deductible) and skilled nursing facility coinsurance. It’s a solid middle ground for those who want more than Plan N but don’t want to pay the full premium for Plan G.
Availability is limited; many carriers don’t offer Plan M. So if you’re interested, you may need to shop around. At Medicare on Video, we can help you compare plans in your area, including Plan M options.
9. Medigap Plan A , The Basic Safety Net
Plan A is the most basic Medigap plan. It covers only the Part A coinsurance and hospital costs for an extra 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted. It does not cover the Part A deductible, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, Part B deductible, or foreign travel.
Premiums are very low, often $30, $60 per month for a 65‑year‑old. But the coverage gaps are enormous. If you have a long hospital stay, you’ll pay the $1,676 Part A deductible. If you need skilled nursing after a hospitalization, you’ll pay up to $200 per day (in 2026) after day 20.
According to the Choosing a Medigap Policy guide from Medicare.gov, Plan A is rarely recommended unless you have other coverage that fills the gaps. Only about 1% of Medigap enrollees choose Plan A.
Plan A might make sense if you have a retiree health plan that covers the gaps, or if you’re on Medicaid (which covers most out‑of‑pocket costs). For most new Medicare beneficiaries, however, the risk is too high. A single hospitalization could wipe out savings.
Bottom line: Plan A is a safety net for catastrophic situations, but it leaves you exposed to many routine costs. If your budget is extremely tight, consider Plan K or high‑deductible Plan G instead, they offer more protection for a similar premium.
Conclusion , Choosing Your Best Medigap Plan
We’ve walked through nine Medigap plans, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. For new Medicare beneficiaries in 2026, the clear standout is Plan G, it offers complete coverage with the lowest out‑of‑pocket maximum. Plan N is a close second for healthy individuals who want to save on premiums. High‑deductible Plan G is a smart alternative for the very healthy with an HSA.
But remember: the insurance company you choose has a bigger impact on your lifetime costs than the plan letter. Avoid new companies with less than five years of Medigap experience, and check the insurer’s financial strength ratings. A stable, well‑established carrier can keep your premium increases manageable over 20‑30 years.
At Medicare on Video, we help you compare plans and carriers in your area, for free. Our team of licensed advisors can walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you enroll in the right plan. Don’t leave your health coverage to chance. Contact Medicare on Video today for a free consultation. Let’s get started!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Medigap plan for new Medicare beneficiaries in 2026?
The best Medigap plan for most new beneficiaries is Plan G, because it covers almost all out‑of‑pocket costs after you pay the small Part B deductible. It has the lowest out‑of‑pocket maximum ($283) and offers predictable expenses. For healthier individuals, Plan N offers lower premiums with modest copays. Always compare carriers to find the best combination of price and stability.
Can I enroll in Plan F as a new Medicare beneficiary?
No. Plan F is only available to those who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you are new to Medicare in 2026, you cannot purchase Plan F. The closest alternative is Plan G, which covers almost everything Plan F did except the Part B deductible. If you already have Plan F, you can keep it, but new enrollees must choose another plan.
How do I choose between Plan G and Plan N?
Plan G covers everything except the Part B deductible, with no copays. Plan N has lower premiums but requires $20 copays for doctor visits and $50 for ER visits, and doesn’t cover excess charges. If you rarely see a specialist and live in a state without excess charges, Plan N can save you $20, $50 per month. If you want maximum predictability, choose Plan G.
What is the difference between high‑deductible Plan G and standard Plan G?
Standard Plan G has a $283 deductible and covers everything after that. High‑deductible Plan G has a $2,950 deductible but much lower monthly premiums (often $30, $40 vs. $120, $250). After you meet the high deductible, coverage is the same as standard Plan G. It’s ideal for healthy people who can handle the deductible and want to save on premiums.
Do Medigap plans cover prescription drugs?
No. Medigap plans do not cover prescription drugs. You need a separate Medicare Part D plan for drug coverage. When you enroll in a Medigap plan, it’s important to also sign up for a Part D plan to avoid late enrollment penalties. Some Medigap plans offer discounts on drug plans, but they do not include medications themselves.
Can I switch Medigap plans after my initial enrollment period?
Yes, but you may be subject to medical underwriting. Outside of your six‑month Medigap open enrollment window (which starts when you turn 65 and enroll in Part B), you cannot switch plans or carriers without health questions. If you have pre‑existing conditions, you could be denied or charged higher premiums. That’s why it’s important to choose the right plan from the start.
What is a Medigap out‑of‑pocket maximum?
An out‑of‑pocket maximum is a cap on your annual spending for covered services. Plans K and L have built‑in OOP maximums ($7,060 and $3,530 respectively). Standard Plan G effectively has a $283 maximum (the Part B deductible) since it covers everything else. High‑deductible plans have a $2,950 deductible that operates as a de facto OOP max. Once you hit the limit, the plan pays 100% for the rest of the year.
How do I find the best Medigap insurance company?
Look for companies with at least five years of experience in the Medigap market and a strong S&P financial rating (A‑ or higher). Avoid new carriers or those that switch ownership frequently, as they may have closed pools and higher rate increases. Compare rates from multiple carriers, and consider using a licensed independent agent like those at Medicare on Video who can offer unbiased guidance.
