Which Medigap Plan Is Right for Me?
A plain-English breakdown of all 10 standardized Medigap plans to help you find the coverage that fits your needs and budget.
The 10 Standardized Medigap Plans
Medicare Supplement plans are standardized by the federal government — meaning Plan G from one insurance company covers the exact same benefits as Plan G from another. The only differences are premium price, company reputation, and rate increase history.
There are 10 plan letters: A, B, C*, D, F*, G, K, L, M, and N. In practice, most people choose between just two or three plans. Here’s why.
*Plans C and F are only available to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Medigap Plan Comparison Chart (2025)
| Benefit | A | B | D | G ⭐ | K | L | M | N ⭐ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance (hospital) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 50% | 75% | ✅ | ✅ |
| Part B coinsurance (doctor) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 50% | 75% | ✅ | ✅** |
| Part A deductible ($1,676 in 2025) | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 50% | 75% | 50% | ✅ |
| Part B deductible ($257 in 2025) | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Part B excess charges | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Foreign travel emergency | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Out-of-pocket limit | None | None | None | None | $7,060 | $3,530 | None | None |
**Plan N covers Part B coinsurance except for a copay of up to $20 for office visits and up to $50 for ER visits that don’t result in admission.
Plan G vs. Plan N — The Two Plans Most People Choose
For anyone newly eligible for Medicare (after January 1, 2020), the choice comes down to Plan G or Plan N. Here’s the real difference:
Plan G — Maximum Coverage
- Covers everything except the Part B deductible ($257/yr)
- No copays at the doctor or ER
- Covers Part B excess charges
- Most popular plan in the country
- Higher premium, lowest out-of-pocket
Best for: People who want maximum peace of mind and predictable costs
Plan N — Budget-Friendly
- Covers most gaps, but with small copays
- Up to $20 copay for doctor office visits
- Up to $50 copay for ER (if not admitted)
- Does NOT cover Part B excess charges
- Lower premium, small out-of-pocket
Best for: Healthy people who rarely see the doctor and want a lower monthly premium
💡 Pro Tip: The premium difference between Plan G and Plan N is typically $30–$60/month. If you visit the doctor more than 2–3 times per month, Plan G’s lack of copays often makes it the better value despite the higher premium. We can run the exact math for your situation.
North Carolina's Birthday Rule — Your Annual Reset
If you live in North Carolina, you have a powerful advantage: the Birthday Rule. Each year, you have a 30-day window starting on your birthday to switch your Medigap plan to any other plan of equal or lesser value — without medical underwriting.
This means you can shop for a lower premium every single year without worrying about health questions. It’s one of the best consumer protections in the country, and most people don’t know about it.
- Window: 30 days starting on your birthday
- What you can do: Switch to same plan letter with a different company, or switch to a plan with equal or lesser benefits
- No health questions: Guaranteed issue — pre-existing conditions don’t matter
- Why it matters: Medigap premiums increase as you age. The Birthday Rule lets you shop for the best rate annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I get Plan F anymore?
Plan F (and Plan C) are no longer available to people who became Medicare-eligible on or after January 1, 2020, due to the MACRA legislation. If you were eligible before that date, you can still purchase Plan F. However, as the pool of Plan F enrollees shrinks over time, premiums may increase faster than Plan G premiums.
When is the best time to enroll in a Medigap plan?
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period — the 6-month window that starts the month you turn 65 AND are enrolled in Part B. During this window, insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge you more because of health conditions. After this window closes, you may face medical underwriting (except in NC, where the Birthday Rule gives you an annual window).
Is Plan G or Plan N better for someone in good health?
If you’re generally healthy and rarely visit the doctor, Plan N can save you $30–$60/month in premiums. The trade-off is small copays when you do visit ($20 for office visits, $50 for ER without admission). Over a year, if you have fewer than 3–4 doctor visits, Plan N typically costs less overall.
Do all insurance companies offer the same Medigap plans?
No. Each company chooses which plan letters to offer. Most major carriers (UnitedHealthcare/AARP, Mutual of Omaha, Aetna, Blue Cross) offer Plans G and N. Some also offer Plans A, B, D, K, L, and others. Since the benefits are standardized, you’re really comparing price and company reliability.
Let Us Find Your Best Medigap Rate
We compare plans from multiple carriers to find you the best coverage at the lowest premium. Free, no-obligation quote.
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