How to Compare Medicare Supplement Insurance Companies
When comparing Medicare Supplement companies, don’t compare benefits first—compare the same standardized plan across insurers.
When Can I Change Medicare Supplement Plans? Rules You Need to Know
Last Modified: 10/05/2026 | Reviewed by Keith Armbrecht (NPN 634015)
Quick Summary
You can apply to change Medicare Supplement plans at any time, but that doesn’t mean an insurance company must accept you.
Outside your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period or a situation where you have a guaranteed-issue right, an insurer may generally use medical underwriting, depending on your state.
That means your health can affect whether you’re approved and what options are available.
Key Facts
- There’s no federal annual Medicare Supplement open-enrollment period.
- You can apply for a new Medigap policy at any time.
- Approval isn’t guaranteed outside protected situations.
- Medical underwriting may apply.
- Your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period provides strong federal protections.
- Certain events create guaranteed-issue rights.
- State laws may provide additional switching rights.
- Never cancel your current Medigap policy until your replacement coverage is secured.
- A new Medigap policy generally includes a 30-day free-look periodwhen you already have a Medigap policy.
- You may temporarily pay premiums for both policies during the free-look period.
Can You Change Medigap Every Year?
There isn’t a nationwide Medicare Supplement annual open enrollment period like the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage and Part D.
The fall Medicare Annual Enrollment Period doesn’t automatically give you the right to switch Medigap policies without underwriting.
When Are You Guaranteed to Be Accepted?
Medigap Open Enrollment Period
This generally begins the first month you’re:
65 or older
and
enrolled in Medicare Part B
and lasts six months.
Guaranteed-Issue Rights
Certain situations provide federal Medigap protections that require insurers to offer you certain policies without using your health to deny coverage.
What Happens Outside Protected Periods?
Depending on your state, an insurer may ask health questions and use medical underwriting.
Possible outcomes can include:
- Approval
- Different pricing where permitted
- Denial
Some states provide additional rights beyond federal law.
Don’t Cancel Your Old Policy Too Soon
Medicare recommends keeping your current Medigap policy until you’re sure you want to keep the new policy.
When replacing one Medigap policy with another, you generally have 30 days to decide whether to keep the new policy.
You’ll have to pay premiums for both during the period when both are active.
Video Explanation from Keith
Can You Change Medicare Supplement Plans?
Keith's Take
This is one of the biggest misconceptions in Medicare Supplement insurance.
People think:
“If my rate goes up, I’ll just switch companies.”
Maybe.
But depending on where you live and your health, you may have to pass medical underwriting.
That’s why I want people thinking about the long-term fit of a Medigap policy, not just the cheapest premium on day one.
If your rate increases, we can compare the market—but we first need to determine whether you can qualify for another policy.
Keith Armbrecht
Medicare on Video
Frequently Asked Questions About Changing Medigap Plans
Q. Can I change my Medicare Supplement anytime?
A. You can apply anytime, but acceptance may not be guaranteed.
Q. Is there a Medicare Supplement annual enrollment period?
A. No federal annual Medigap open enrollment period exists.
Q. Does Medicare's October 15–December 7 enrollment period let me change Medigap without underwriting?
A. No. That period primarily relates to Medicare Advantage and Part D coverage.
Q. What is medical underwriting?
A. It's the process an insurer may use to evaluate your health when deciding whether to issue a policy outside protected enrollment situations.
Q. What is a guaranteed-issue right?
A. A situation where federal law requires a Medigap insurance company to offer you certain policies regardless of your health.
Q. Should I cancel my old plan before applying?
A. No. Secure the replacement first.
Q. What is the 30-day free-look period?
A. When replacing one Medigap policy with another, you generally have 30 days to decide whether to keep the new one.
Q. Can state law make it easier to switch?
A. Yes. Some states provide additional Medigap switching protections.
Official Government Sources
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