How to Compare Medicare Supplement Insurance Companies
When comparing Medicare Supplement companies, don’t compare benefits first—compare the same standardized plan across insurers.
How Much Does a Medicare Supplement Plan Cost in 2026?
Last Modified: 10/05/2026 | Reviewed by Keith Armbrecht (NPN 634015)
Quick Summary
There isn’t one national price for Medicare Supplement insurance. Medigap premiums vary by the plan you choose, insurance company, where you live and other pricing factors.
Two people can purchase the same standardized Plan G benefits from different insurance companies and pay very different premiums.
That’s why comparing the same plan letter across multiple insurers is so important.
Key Facts
- Medigap premiums vary by insurance company.
- Premiums vary by location.
- Premiums vary by plan letter.
- The same lettered plan has the same standardized medical benefits regardless of insurer.
- Pricing methods can affect future premiums.
- Age may affect premiums depending on rating method.
- Discounts may be available.
- Medical underwriting can affect availability and sometimes price outside protected enrollment periods.
- Premiums typically increase over time.
- You pay your Medigap premium in addition to your Medicare Part B premium.
- Comparing companies can produce significant savings.
Why Do Plan G Prices Vary If Benefits Are the Same?
This is one of the most important things to understand about Medigap.
If two companies sell standardized Plan G, the core standardized medical benefits are the same.
But the premiums can be very different.
One company might charge significantly more than another for essentially the same standardized benefits.
Three Ways Medigap Policies Can Be Priced
Community-Rated
Generally, the premium isn’t based on your age.
Premiums can still rise because of inflation and other factors.
Issue-Age-Rated
Your premium is based partly on the age you are when you purchase the policy.
The premium doesn’t rise simply because you get older, although it can increase for other reasons.
Attained-Age-Rated
The premium is based on your current age.
It can therefore increase as you get older, in addition to other potential rate changes.
What Other Factors Can Affect Price?
Depending on the insurer and state, factors can include:
- ZIP code
- Plan letter
- Rating method
- Tobacco use
- Household or marital discounts
- Payment method
- Gender where permitted
- Medical underwriting where permitted
- Inflation
- Claims experience and other approved rating factors
A Simple Example
Suppose Company A offers Plan G for:
$140 per month
and Company B offers Plan G for:
$190 per month
That’s a difference of:
$50 per month
or:
$600 per year
The standardized Plan G medical benefits are the same.
That’s why shopping the carrier matters.
Don’t Compare Plan G With Plan N on Premium Alone
Plan N may cost less than Plan G because the benefits and cost-sharing structure differ.
First decide:
Which plan fits you?
Then compare:
Which company offers that plan at a competitive price?
Video Explanation from Keith
How Much Should a Medicare Supplement Cost?
Keith's Take
This is probably where Medicare on Video can create the most immediate value for someone.
I don’t like people choosing a Medicare Supplement based on the insurance company’s name.
With standardized plans, I start with:
Which plan letter fits you?
Then:
Which companies offer that plan in your ZIP code?
Then:
What are the premiums and how competitive are they?
We’ve helped thousands of people compare Medicare Supplement coverage, and I’ve seen substantial price differences for the same standardized benefits.
Don’t pay more simply because you didn’t compare.
Keith Armbrecht
Medicare on Video
Frequently Asked Questions About Medigap Costs
Q. How much is Plan G?
A. There is no single national Plan G premium. It varies by company, location and other factors.
Q. Does Medicare set Medigap premiums?
A. No. Private insurance companies set premiums subject to applicable state regulation.
Q. Are all Plan G benefits the same?
A. The standardized medical benefits are the same regardless of insurer.
Q. Why can one Plan G cost more?
A. Insurers use different pricing and rating approaches.
Q. Does age affect Medigap prices?
A. It can, depending on the rating method.
Q. Can Medigap premiums increase?
A. Yes. Medicare notes that premium amounts typically increase each year.
Q. Do I still pay Part B?
A. Yes.
Q. Should I choose the cheapest company?
A. Price matters, but also consider the insurer, rate history where available, discounts, service and long-term fit.
Official Government Sources
Explore Related Guides
What Is the Best Medicare Supplement Plan? How to Decide
There isn’t one Medicare Supplement plan that’s best for everyone. For people newly eligible for Medicare today, the three options I most often want compared are: Plan G, Plan N
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Compare Medigap Rates in Your ZIP Code
Medicare on Video can compare the Medicare Supplement companies and rates we offer in your area.
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