2026 Complete Guide
All 10 Medicare Supplement Plans Compared
A side-by-side look at every standardized Medigap plan — Plans A through N — so you can choose the right coverage without overpaying.
Understanding Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers about 80% of your medical costs after you meet deductibles. A Medicare Supplement plan pays some or all of the remaining 20% — protecting you from large, unexpected bills. There are 10 standardized plans available in most states, labeled A through N. Every insurer must offer the exact same benefits for each plan letter; the only difference between companies is the premium and quality of customer service.
Important: Plans C and F are only available to people who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Medigap Coverage Comparison Chart
| Benefit | Plan A | Plan B | Plan CPre-2020 | Plan D | Plan FPre-2020 | Plan GPopular | Plan K | Plan L | Plan M | Plan NPopular |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A Hospital Coinsurance & Hospital Costs (up to 365 days after Medicare benefits are used) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Part B Coinsurance or Copayment* Plan N pays 100% except up to $20 copay for office visits and up to $50 for ER visits that don't result in inpatient admission. | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 50% | 75% | ✅ | ✅* |
| Blood (First 3 Pints) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 50% | 75% | ✅ | ✅ |
| Part A Hospice Care Coinsurance or Copayment | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 50% | 75% | ✅ | ✅ |
| Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Coinsurance | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 50% | 75% | ✅ | ✅ |
| Part A Deductible ($1,676 in 2026) | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 50% | 75% | 50% | ✅ |
| Part B Deductible ($257 in 2026)Only available to those eligible for Medicare before Jan 1, 2020. | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Part B Excess Charges | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Foreign Travel Emergency (up to plan limits) | ❌ | ❌ | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | ❌ | ❌ | 80% | 80% |
| Out-of-Pocket Limit (2026) | None | None | None | None | None | None | $7,220 | $3,610 | None | None |
✅ = Fully covered by plan. ❌ = Not covered. 50%/75%/80% = Plan pays that percentage. Deductible amounts reflect 2026 figures. Plans K and L have annual out-of-pocket limits after which 100% is covered.
Which Plan Is Right for You?
Choose Plan G if…
- You want the most comprehensive coverage available
- You see specialists who may charge excess fees
- You travel internationally and want emergency coverage
- Predictable costs matter more than a lower premium
Choose Plan N if…
- You want to save $30–$70/month on premiums
- Your doctors accept Medicare assignment (no excess charges)
- You're comfortable with small copays at the doctor or ER
- You're in generally good health and visit the doctor infrequently
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular Medicare Supplement plan in 2026?
Plan G is the most popular Medigap plan for new Medicare enrollees, followed closely by Plan N. Plan G covers nearly everything Medicare doesn't — except the Part B deductible — making it the most comprehensive option available to people who became Medicare-eligible after January 1, 2020. Plan F is no longer available to new enrollees.
What is the difference between Plan G and Plan N?
Both Plan G and Plan N cover the Part A deductible, SNF coinsurance, foreign travel emergency care, and Part B coinsurance. The key differences: Plan G covers Part B excess charges (when a doctor charges more than Medicare's approved amount), while Plan N does not. Plan N requires copays of up to $20 for office visits and up to $50 for ER visits. In exchange, Plan N premiums are typically $30–$70/month lower than Plan G.
Can I still get Plan F or Plan C?
Only if you were eligible for Medicare (turned 65 or qualified due to disability) before January 1, 2020. If you became Medicare-eligible on or after that date, federal law prohibits insurers from selling you Plan F or Plan C. If you already have one of these plans, you can keep it.
Do Medicare Supplement plans cover prescription drugs?
No. Medigap plans do not cover prescription drugs. You must enroll in a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) to get drug coverage. Be aware that if you delay enrolling in Part D when first eligible, you may face a permanent late enrollment penalty.
When is the best time to buy a Medicare Supplement plan?
The best time is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period — the 6-month window that begins the month you are both 65 or older AND enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge you more due to pre-existing conditions. Outside this window, you may be subject to medical underwriting in most states.
Jennifer Walsh, RN
Medicare & Senior Benefits Specialist
Jennifer Walsh is a registered nurse and licensed insurance agent with 14 years of experience helping Medicare beneficiaries navigate supplement and advantage plan options. She holds a BSN from Ohio State University.
Updated March 2026
Important Disclaimer
This site provides general educational information only and is not a substitute for professional insurance advice. All rates, data, and coverage details are estimates and may not reflect your actual premiums. Insurance availability and pricing vary by state, insurer, and individual risk factors. Always consult a licensed insurance professional in your state before making coverage decisions.