Best Medicare Supplement Plans and Providers of 2025
Methodology: How We Picked the Best Medicare Supplement Providers of 2025
To determine the best Medicare Supplement providers for 2024, the Forbes Health editorial team evaluated all insurance companies that offer plans nationwide in terms of:
- How many states in which they provide coverage
- The number of Medigap plan types they offer
- Whether they offer Part D (prescription drug) coverage specifically
- Whether they can provide additional coverage beyond what’s required of Medigap plans by federal regulations
- A.M. Best rankings in terms of financial health (which impacts how reliable an insurer is when it comes to paying claims)
- J.D. Power rankings in terms of consumer feedback
We focused exclusively on providing general summaries of the companies, their range of insurance products and their reputations. In order to provide specific plan recommendations accurately, it’s important to take into account the ZIP code and demographic details of the individual seeking insurance coverage. To do so, we recommend using Medicare.gov’s plan finder tool or seeking the expertise of an independent, agnostic insurance agent.
Find Top Medicare Supplement Plans to Fit your Needs at Healthcare.com
Helps pay the 20% that Original Medicare doesn’t cover
Pays 100% of Part A coinsurance
Pays up to 100% of Part B coinsurance
- Helps pay the 20% that Original Medicare doesn’t cover
- Pays 100% of Part A coinsurance
- Pays up to 100% of Part B coinsurance
- Available in all 50 states
- Offers Medical Benefits for Foreign Travel
- Fill out a quote form to speak to a licensed insurance agent
What Is a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan?
Medicare Supplement, also known as Medigap, is a private insurance policy purchased to help pay for what isn’t covered by Original Medicare (which includes Part A and Part B). These secondary coverage plans only apply with Original Medicare—not other private insurance policies, standalone Medicare plans or Medicare Advantage plans.
Medigap plans generally don’t cover prescriptions, so you may want to consider enrolling in Medicare Part D, which specifically covers prescription drugs, or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage.
Medigap plans aren’t the same as Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage. While a Medicare Advantage plan can serve as an alternative way to get Medicare Part A and Part B coverage, Medigap plans only cover what Part A and Part B do not.
What Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover?
Medigap supplement plans cover many out-of-pocket costs that may come with Original Medicare but aren’t covered by Part A or B, including:
- Deductibles are the amounts you pay for health care services or prescriptions before your Medicare plan provider contributes payment.
- Copayments are fixed amounts you may need to pay for certain benefits after paying a deductible.
- Coinsurance is an amount (usually a percentage) you may need to pay for certain services after paying a deductible.
Additionally, some Medigap plans may also cover emergency medical services when traveling outside of the U.S.
Who Is Eligible for Medicare Supplement Plans?
To be eligible for a Medicare Supplement plan, you must be enrolled in Original Medicare Part A and Part B, but not a Medicare Advantage plan. You must also be in one of the following categories:
- Age 65 and older
- Under 65 and receiving disability benefits
- Under 65 and diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Under 65 and diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD)
Companies could delay coverage up to six months for a pre-existing condition if you didn’t have creditable coverage (other health insurance) before enrolling in Medicare.
Your Medicare Supplement open enrollment period starts the first month you sign up for Medicare Part B insurance at age 65 or older, even if you delayed enrollment because you had group health coverage. Medigap policies cannot be canceled by the insurance company even if your health status changes as long as you pay your premiums. If you’re already enrolled in a Medigap plan, you may apply to buy or switch plans.
How Much Does Medicare Supplement Cost?
“Medicare supplements vary in rate by carrier and plan choice. Not every carrier offers all plans,” says Brandy Corujo, partner of Cornerstone Insurance Group in Seattle. Policy prices for Medigap are set by the individual insurance companies selling them. Companies set their premium pricing in one of three ways:
- Community-rated: Premiums are the same regardless of age.
- Issue or entry age-rated: Premiums are cheaper if the policy is purchased at a younger age. Premiums do not increase with age.
- Attained-age-rated: Premiums are based on your age at the time of purchase. As you age, your premium increases.
Some factors that may also influence your rates include your location, gender, marital status and lifestyle (like if you smoke).
Medigap plans are purchased through a private insurance company, and you pay a monthly premium for the policy directly to the company. Medigap policies can be purchased from any insurance company licensed to sell one in your state, but available policies and prices will depend on your state. Medigap plans only cover one person, so married couples need to purchase separate policies.
What Is the Least Expensive Medicare Supplement Plan?
The cost of Medigap monthly premiums varies depending on factors like the insurance company’s pricing policies and an individual’s age, sex and personal health history.
For example, a person living in North Carolina might expect to pay the following prices for various Medigap plans, based on their location:
Keep in mind, Medicare Supplement plans C, F, and F high deductible are no longer available to purchase if you turned 65 on or after January 1, 2020. They may be unavailable to some people under age 65 as well.
Medicare Supplement Plans F, G and N: Which Is Best?
Medicare Supplement plans F, G and N are the most popular Medigap plans with the highest rates of enrollment nationwide. Which one is best depends on the beneficiary and their specific health care needs.
Medicare Supplement Plan F
By and large, Plan F is the most popular Medicare Supplement plan due to its coverage of more out-of-pocket Medicare costs than any other Medigap plan type. Plan F pays for Medicare deductibles, copays and other costs associated with Medicare-covered services, so beneficiaries don’t have to worry about out-of-pocket expenses. However, Plan F is no longer available to any Medicare beneficiary who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
Medicare Supplement Plan G
Due to these enrollment restrictions, Plan G is becoming the most popular Medicare Supplement plan type for new Medicare enrollees, as it covers the most Medicare costs of any Medigap plan type that’s available to all beneficiaries. Plan G beneficiaries only have to pay their annual Medicare Part B deductible, after which the plan provides 100% coverage on all Medicare-covered medical expenses.
Medicare Supplement Plan N
Lastly, Plan N is the third most popular type of Medicare Supplement plan, which supports enrollees interested in a broad range of coverage. It provides 100% of Medicare Part B coinsurance costs, with the exception of $20 copays for office visits and $50 copays for emergency room (ER) visits. Beneficiaries are responsible for the annual Part B deductible as well. This structure keeps the cost of the plan relatively low despite risking higher out-of-pocket expenses, which is why it’s generally preferred by those with fewer medical needs.
Need Help Finding The Medicare Supplement Insurance Options That Work Best For You?
Choose from ten standardized Medicare supplement plan options
Compare the benefits offered by each type of plan online
1,500 licensed agents, all based in the USA
- Keep your Medicare doctor
- 1,500 licensed agents, all based in the USA
- No pushy sales tactics
- Receive support making confident, informed decisions about your coverage
The Pros and Cons of Medicare Supplement Plans
Medicare Supplement plans offer various attractive components, as well as other features that may not fit your needs or preferences. Consider both the benefits and drawbacks below before enrolling in a Medigap plan.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Help mitigate the costs of health care not covered by Original Medicare, such as copayments, coinsurance and deductibles | Plans sold after 2005 don’t include prescription drug coverage, so beneficiaries may also need to enroll in a Medicare Part D plan |
| Can provide coverage for services that Original Medicare doesn't cover, such as medical care needed during travel outside the U.S. | Doesn’t cover long-term care, such as nursing homes, private-duty nursing, services for vision or dental, eyeglasses or hearing aids |
| Some plans come with additional perks and benefits not required by CMS, such as discounts on fitness memberships, meal delivery and more | Require a monthly premium in addition to the Part B monthly premium you pay to Medicare |
Medicare Supplement Plans vs. Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans serve as a substitute for Original Medicare, providing that same coverage plus additional benefits like prescription drugs coverage (Part D). Meanwhile, Medicare Supplement plans, or Medigap plans, are sold by private insurance companies to people enrolled in Original Medicare to help fill the gaps of that coverage.
The 10 types of Medigap plans provide standardized coverage to beneficiaries nationwide and help pay for things like deductibles, coinsurance and copays. Because plan coverages are standardized, only monthly premium rates vary from provider to provider. It’s also important to note that Medigap policies don’t cover prescription drugs. A person enrolled in Original Medicare who wants prescription drug coverage needs to purchase a separate Medicare Part D plan in addition to any Medicare Supplement plan.
Meanwhile, Medicare Advantage policies are only standardized in that they must provide the same benefits of Original Medicare, as the plans serve as a direct substitute. After this threshold is met, private insurance providers can add any number of benefits and services to a plan—prescription drugs, dental care, vision care and more—to make them more comprehensive (and often more expensive). Monthly premium rates for Medicare Advantage plans tend to vary dramatically based on location and the list of benefits provided.
How to Choose the Best Medicare Supplement Plan for You
To find the right Medigap plan for you, first ask yourself:
- What are my health care needs now and possibly in the future? Consider your current health status as well as your family history.
- What is my health care budget now and in the future?
Medicare Supplement Plans Comparison Chart
There are 10 standardized Medigap plans with letter names A through N. Plans with the same letter must offer the same basic benefit regardless of the insurance company providing the plan. For example, all Medigap Plan A policies provide the same benefit, but health insurance company premiums vary based on the way they choose to set rates—community-rated, entry age-rated or attained-age-rated.
How to Sign Up for Medicare Supplement Plans in 2025
Signing up for a Medigap plan is easy. “Medicare supplements may be bought through an agent or from the carrier directly,” says Corujo. Since there’s no annual open enrollment period, you may join at any time.
To buy a Medigap policy, it’s best to enroll during your Medigap Open Enrollment period, which lasts six months. This period begins the first month you have Medicare Part B and are 65 or older. You can buy any Medigap policy sold in your state during this time, even if you have health problems.
Follow the steps below to purchase your Medigap plan:
- Enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B. This step is required to purchase a Medigap plan. Remember: Medicare and Medigap plans don’t cover prescription drugs, so you may also want to consider enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan or a plan that offers drug coverage. If you choose a Medicare Advantage plan, you cannot then enroll in a Medigap plan. If you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, consider whether a Medigap plan would benefit you; if so, drop your Medicare Advantage plan before buying a Medigap plan.
- Find which insurance companies in your state are licensed to sell Medigap plans by visiting Medicare.gov.
- Compare costs between companies. Costs will vary depending on the company, state and other factors, but the coverage they offer will be the same.
- Select a Medigap plan that works best for you and purchase your policy.
When Is the Best Time to Enroll in a Medicare Supplement Plan?
The best time to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan is during your initial Medigap Open Enrollment Period, the six-month window that begins on the first day of the month in which you’re both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. This enrollment period is the only timeframe in which insurance companies cannot deny you a policy based on your health status or any medical condition.
Attempting to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan at any other time outside this enrollment period could result in penalty fees or denial of coverage.
Compare Plans From Every Major Carrier
Trusted and recommended by thousands
Chapter recommends plans from every single insurance carrier
Call to speak to a licensed insurance agent. Weekdays 9AM-9PM and Saturdays 9AM-8PM EST
- Americans have saved $1,100 on average with Chapter
- Find the benefits that fit your needs
- A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau
- Trusted and recommended by thousands
- Chapter recommends plans from every single insurance carrier
- Call to speak to a licensed insurance agent. Weekdays 9AM-9PM and Saturdays 9AM-8PM EST
Final Thoughts
Our list of the best Medicare Supplement providers offers a view of qualified, reputable insurance companies for older adults looking to enroll in coverage. These providers were reviewed and chosen based on details like their financial standing (A.M. Best rating), plan variance, additional benefits and geographical coverage areas. However, the best Medicare Supplement provider and plan for you is the one that best suits your specific health needs, preferences and location requirements. When choosing your plan, consider your budget, where you live, your annual health expenses, additional coverage you may need and whether coverage is available within your previously established network.
Summary: Compare the Best Medicare Supplement Providers for 2025
Alena Hall also contributed to this article.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best Medicare Supplement plan?
The best Medicare Supplement plan for you ultimately depends on your specific health care needs, lifestyle and budget. With that said, Plan G is quickly becoming the most popular Medicare Supplement plan type for new Medicare enrollees. With the exception of Plan F, which is no longer available to all beneficiaries, Plan G covers the most Medicare costs of any Medigap plan type. Those enrolled in Plan G are only responsible for paying their annual Medicare Part B deductible. After that point, the plan provides 100% coverage on all Medicare-covered medical expenses.
What is the most popular Medicare Supplement plan?
Plan F, Plan G and Plan N are the most popular types of Medicare Supplement plans. Medicare Supplement Plan F is the most comprehensive Medigap option available, providing beneficiaries with 100% coverage of Medicare-covered medical expenses after Original Medicare pays its portion. Medicare Supplement Plan G leaves beneficiaries responsible only for their annual Medicare Part B deductible, after which the plan provides 100% coverage on all Medicare-covered medical expenses. Finally, Medicare Supplement Plan N is considered a pay-as-you-go type of plan that tends to be the most affordable for beneficiaries who don’t require medical care regularly but are interested in emergency coverage.
Is Plan F the best Medicare Supplement plan?
Medicare Supplement Plan F is considered one of the best Medigap plan types due to its comprehensive nature. However, only those who were eligible for Medicare on or before January 1, 2020, can still sign up for Plan F. People who already had or were covered by Medicare Plan F before January 1, 2020, are also able to keep their plan. All other Medicare enrollees must select another type of Medigap plan.
Is it better to have Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage?
Whether a person purchases a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan depends on their specific health care needs. Medicare Advantage plans serve as a substitute for Original Medicare, providing the same coverage plus additional benefits like prescription drugs coverage (Part D). Meanwhile, Medigap plans are sold by private insurance companies to people enrolled in Original Medicare to help fill the gaps of that coverage. Medigap plans provide standardized coverage and help pay for things like deductibles, coinsurance and copays. However, Medigap policies don’t cover prescription drugs. A person enrolled in Original Medicare who wants prescription drug coverage must purchase a separate Medicare Part D plan in addition to any Medicare Supplement plan.
When can I change my Medicare Supplement plan?
Technically, you can change which Medicare Supplement plan you’re enrolled in at any time after your six-month open enrollment period closes. However, unless the rate on your current plan is increasing and you want to shop for a lower rate, there’s generally few reasons to switch Medigap plans. You also aren’t guaranteed that your application for a new plan will be accepted outside your initial enrollment period.
When does Medicare Supplement open enrollment take place?
Medigap open enrollment is a six month period that begins when an individual enrolls in Medicare Part B and is at least 65 years old. Some states may offer additional enrollment periods. After the enrollment period ends, you may not be able to buy Medigap or you may purchase it for an increased price.
How long does Medicare Supplement open enrollment last?
The initial open enrollment period for Medicare Supplement coverage lasts six months, beginning the month you’re both at least 65 years old and enrolled in Medicare Part B coverage. You can try to enroll in a Medigap plan outside this open enrollment period as well, but you may be denied coverage or subject to medical underwriting, potentially leading to higher monthly premiums for the same benefits.
Sources
References
- 2021 Guide To Choosing A Medigap Policy. Medicare.gov. Accessed 8/28/2021.
- Original Medicare (Part A and B) eligibility and enrollment. Cms.gov. Accessed 8/28/2021.
- How to compare Medigap policies. Medicare.gov. Accessed 8/28/2021.
- Find a Medicare plan. Medicare.gov. Accessed 8/28/2021.
- How to get prescription drug coverage. Medicare.gov. Accessed 8/28/2021.
- 2020 Choosing A Medigap Policy: A Guide To Health Insurance For People With Medicare. Medicare.gov. Accessed 8/28/2021.
- When can I buy Medigap?. Medicare.gov. Accessed 8/28/2021.
- What’s Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)?. Medicare.gov. Accessed 8/28/2021.
- Switching Medigap policies. Medicare.gov. Accessed 8/28/2021.
- Medigap & Medicare Advantage Plans. Medicare.gov. Accessed 8/28/2021.
- AARP/UnitedHealthcare Medicare Supplement Reviews. MedicareGuide. Accessed 9/22/2021.
- AARP History. Aarp.org. Accessed 9/23/2021.
- AARP® Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans insured by UnitedHealthcare. AARP Medicare Plans. Accessed 9/23/2021.
- Financial Strength and Credit Ratings. Cigna. Accessed 9/22/2021.
- Cigna Company History. Cigna.com. Accessed 9/23/2021.
- Gronwald K-D. Company Profiles. In: Global Communication and Collaboration. Springer Berlin Heidelberg; 2017:125-155.
- Financial Strength. Mutual of Omaha. Accessed 9/22/2021.
- Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, cover out of pocket costs. Mutualofomaha.com. Accessed 9/23/2021.
- Supplement Health Insurance for Medicare, Medicare supplement plan. Mutualofomaha.com. Accessed 9/23/2021.
- Learn what Medigap Covers. Medicare.gov. Accessed 8/16/2023.
- Learn How Medigap Works. Medicare.gov. Accessed 8/16/2023.
- Medicare and You 2023: The Official U.S. Government Medicare Handbook. U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Accessed 8/16/2023.
