How Much Does Medicare Supplement Insurance Cost in 2025-2026?
Medigap premiums vary widely based on plan type, age, location, and insurance company. Here's what to expect and how to find affordable coverage.
Medigap premiums vary widely based on plan type, age, location, and insurance company. Here's what to expect and how to find affordable coverage.
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn't cover everything. You're responsible for deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments that can add up to thousands of dollars per year. Medicare Supplement insurance—also called Medigap—helps fill those gaps.
But how much does Medigap actually cost? The answer depends on several factors, including the plan you choose, where you live, and your age. In 2025, Medigap premiums range from about $32 to $550 per month, with most beneficiaries paying between $100 and $300 per month for mid-level plans.
Medigap is private insurance designed to work alongside Original Medicare. It helps pay out-of-pocket costs that Medicare doesn't cover, including:
Medicare Part A deductible: $1,736 per hospital benefit period in 2026 (up from $1,676 in 2025)
Medicare Part B deductible: $283 per year in 2026 (up from $257 in 2025)
Part A coinsurance: $434/day for hospital days 61-90, $868/day for lifetime reserve days in 2026
Part B coinsurance: 20% of Medicare-approved amounts for covered services
Without supplemental coverage, a serious illness or extended hospital stay could cost you thousands of dollars. Medigap provides predictable costs and protection against large medical bills.
Medigap premiums vary widely, but here's what beneficiaries typically pay:
Overall range: $32 to $550+ per month
Most common range: $100 to $300 per month for mid-level plans
Average Costs by Plan Type (2025-2026):
Plan G: Average $142-$180 per month. This is the most popular plan for new Medicare beneficiaries, covering everything except the Part B deductible ($283/year in 2026). About 39% of Medigap enrollees have Plan G.
Plan F: Average $185-$228 per month. Covers all gaps with zero out-of-pocket costs. Only available to those who became Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020. About 36% of enrollees have Plan F.
Plan N: Average $112-$140 per month. Lower premiums than G or F, but you may pay up to $20 copays for some doctor visits and up to $50 for ER visits that don't result in admission. Doesn't cover Part B excess charges.
High-Deductible Plan G: Average $50-$55 per month. You pay a $2,950 deductible (2026) before coverage kicks in. Good option for healthy people who want catastrophic protection at lower cost.
High-Deductible Plan F: Average $82 per month. Same $2,950 deductible. Only available to those Medicare-eligible before 2020.
Remember: You also pay your Medicare Part B premium ($202.90/month standard in 2026) on top of your Medigap premium.
All Medigap plans with the same letter offer identical benefits regardless of which company sells them. The only difference is price. Here's what determines how much you'll pay:
1. Pricing Method
Insurance companies use one of three pricing approaches, which significantly affect how your premium changes over time:
Community-rated (no age-rated): Everyone pays the same premium regardless of age. Your premium won't increase because you get older (though it may still increase due to inflation or other factors).
Issue-age-rated: Your premium is based on your age at the time you first buy the policy. Younger buyers pay less. Your premium won't increase because of age, but it may increase due to inflation.
Attained-age-rated: Your premium is based on your current age and increases with age. These policies often start cheaper but become more expensive over time.
2. Your Age
For most plans, younger enrollees pay less. Based on 2025 data, Plan G premiums average around $143/month at age 65-66 and increase to $319/month by age 98. Plan N averages $112/month at age 65 and $268/month at age 92.
3. Location
Medigap costs vary significantly by state and even by ZIP code. Local cost of living, healthcare costs, and market competition all play a role. For example, Florida premiums tend to be higher than those in Texas or California for the same plan.
4. Insurance Company
Different insurance companies charge different prices for the same coverage. A Plan G from one company might cost $120/month while the same Plan G from another company costs $180/month in the same area. Always compare multiple insurers.
5. Tobacco Use
Many insurers charge higher premiums if you use tobacco products. Non-smoker discounts can save you 10-20% on your premium.
6. When You Enroll
Enrolling during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (the 6 months starting when you're both 65 and enrolled in Part B) guarantees you can buy any Medigap plan at the best available price—regardless of health conditions. If you wait and apply later, insurers may use medical underwriting, which could result in higher premiums or denial of coverage.
There are 10 standardized Medigap plans (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N), though not all are available in every state. The most popular options are:
Plan G – Best Value for Most People
Covers all Medicare gaps except the Part B deductible ($283/year in 2026). Since Plan G premiums are often $40-$50/month less than Plan F, you typically come out ahead paying the $283 deductible yourself rather than paying higher premiums all year.
Plan F – Most Comprehensive (Pre-2020 Medicare Only)
Covers everything—you have zero out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-covered services. However, only available if you became Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020. Plan F typically costs about $564/year more than Plan G, which usually exceeds the $283 Part B deductible you'd save.
Plan N – Lower Premium Option
Lower premiums than G or F, but with some cost-sharing: up to $20 copays for some office visits, up to $50 copay for ER visits not resulting in admission, and no coverage for Part B excess charges. Good choice if you're comfortable with small copays in exchange for lower monthly costs.
High-Deductible Plans – Catastrophic Coverage
High-deductible versions of Plan F and G have much lower premiums ($50-$85/month) but require you to pay a $2,950 deductible (2026) before coverage starts. Good for healthy people who want protection against major medical costs without high monthly premiums.
Plans K and L – Partial Coverage
These plans cover a percentage of costs (50% for K, 75% for L) rather than full coverage, with out-of-pocket limits. Plan K has a $6,620 annual out-of-pocket limit; Plan L has a $3,310 limit. Lower premiums but more cost-sharing until you hit the limit.
1. Enroll During Your Open Enrollment Period
This is the most important way to save. During your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period (starting the month you turn 65 and enroll in Part B), insurers must sell you any policy at their best rate, regardless of health conditions. After this period, you may face medical underwriting, higher premiums, or denial.
2. Compare Multiple Insurance Companies
Since Plan G from Company A covers exactly the same things as Plan G from Company B, shop on price, different insurers can charge dramatically different premiums for identical coverage. Get quotes from at least 3-5 companies.
3. Look for Available Discounts
Many insurers offer discounts that can reduce your premium by 5-15%:
• Household discount (if a spouse or family member has the same insurer)
• Non-smoker discount
• Automatic payment discount (paying by bank draft or credit card)
• Annual payment discount (paying yearly instead of monthly)
• Online enrollment discount
4. Consider a High-Deductible Plan
If you're healthy and rarely use medical services, a high-deductible Plan G can save hundreds per year. You'll pay the $2,950 deductible before coverage kicks in, but your monthly premium may be $100+ less than standard Plan G.
5. Choose Plan G Over Plan F
If you're eligible for both, Plan G almost always makes more financial sense. The only difference is the Part B deductible ($283/year in 2026), but Plan F premiums are typically $40-$50/month higher—meaning you'd pay $480-$600/year more in premiums to avoid a $283 deductible.
6. Review Your Plan Annually
Medigap premiums can increase over time. Each year, compare your current premium to what other insurers are charging. You can switch to a lower-cost policy, though keep in mind that switching after your Open Enrollment Period may involve medical underwriting.
Medigap and Medicare Advantage are two different ways to get Medicare coverage, and their costs work differently:
Medicare Advantage (Part C): Average premium $14/month in 2026 (some plans have $0 premiums). However, you pay copays and coinsurance when you use care. Out-of-pocket maximum is $9,250 in 2026.
Medigap: Higher monthly premiums ($100-$300 typical), but minimal out-of-pocket costs when you use care. Most comprehensive plans (F, G) cover nearly everything.
The right choice depends on your situation:
• Medigap may be better if: You want predictable costs, use healthcare frequently, travel often, or want to see any Medicare-accepting doctor without network restrictions.
• Medicare Advantage may be better if: You're healthy with low healthcare usage, want lower monthly premiums, prefer having prescription drug coverage included, or want extra benefits like dental and vision.
Important: You cannot have both Medigap and Medicare Advantage at the same time.
Medigap only covers costs related to Medicare-covered services. It does not cover:
• Prescription drugs (you need a separate Part D plan)
• Dental care
• Vision care (routine eye exams, glasses)
• Hearing aids
• Long-term care (nursing home custodial care)
If you need prescription drug coverage, you'll need to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D plan alongside your Medigap policy.
With so many Medigap options and insurers to choose from, finding the right plan at the best price can be overwhelming. A licensed insurance agent can help you compare plans, find available discounts, and make sure you're getting good value.
At Health Plans of NC, we specialize in helping North Carolina residents find the right Medicare coverage. Our agents can compare Medigap plans from multiple insurers and help you understand your options—at no cost.
Contact us at 1-800-797-0327 for a free Medicare Supplement consultation. We'll help you compare costs and find coverage that fits your needs and budget.
How much does Medicare Supplement insurance cost per month?
Medigap premiums range from about $32 to $550 per month in 2025, with most people paying between $100 and $300 for mid-level plans. Popular Plan G averages $142-$180/month, while Plan N averages $112-$140/month. Costs vary based on your age, location, and the insurance company you choose.
What is the most popular Medicare Supplement plan?
Plan G is the most popular Medigap plan for new Medicare beneficiaries, with about 39% market share. It covers all Medicare gaps except the Part B deductible ($283/year in 2026). Plan F remains popular among those who became Medicare-eligible before 2020, with about 36% of enrollees.
Is Plan F or Plan G better?
Plan G is usually the better value. The only difference is that Plan F covers the Part B deductible ($283/year in 2026) while Plan G doesn't. However, Plan F premiums are typically $40-$50/month higher than Plan G—meaning you'd pay $480-$600/year more to save $283. Note: Plan F is only available to those who became Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020.
When is the best time to buy Medicare Supplement insurance?
The best time is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period—the 6 months starting the month you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B. During this window, insurers must sell you any Medigap policy at their standard rate regardless of health conditions. After this period, you may face medical underwriting, higher premiums, or denial of coverage.
Why do Medicare Supplement costs vary so much?
Several factors affect Medigap premiums: your age, where you live, which insurance company you choose, whether you use tobacco, and when you enroll. Each insurer sets its own prices, and pricing methods vary (community-rated vs. attained-age-rated). That's why comparing multiple companies is important—the same Plan G can cost $120/month from one company and $180/month from another in the same area.
Does Medicare Supplement cover prescription drugs?
No. Medigap policies do not cover prescription drugs. If you want drug coverage, you'll need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan. The maximum Part D deductible is $615 in 2026, and the out-of-pocket cap is $2,100.