Shop and Compare Medigap Plans With an Independent Medicare Insurance Agency
The Annuity Expert is an independent Medicare insurance agency that helps you shop, compare, and buy Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans at the best available cost. Because Medigap benefits are standardized by law, the real difference comes down to how much each insurer charges you for the same plan. That’s where we step in: we compare quotes across top-rated insurance companies, explain state-specific rules, and show you how to lock in stable coverage at the lowest possible price. Our role is simple — to make sure you never pay more than you should for identical Medigap protection.
Compare Medigap Quotes Before You Buy
Choosing a Medigap plan is one of the most important decisions you’ll make once you’re on Medicare. While the benefits of each plan letter (A, G, N, etc.) are standardized by law, the cost of identical coverage can vary widely between insurers.
One company might charge $145/month for Plan G, while another asks $210 for the same benefits. That’s a $780/year difference — or $7,800 over 10 years. The only way to avoid overpaying is to compare quotes before you buy.
Start Here
If you’re new to Medicare, start with Plan G or Plan N. These are the most popular, widely available, and affordable choices. Consider other plans only if you have a special situation, such as being eligible for Plan F or needing a very low-cost plan with cost-sharing.
Top Picks We Sell (Most People Choose These)
Plan G
- Plan G Covers: All major gaps except the Part B deductible.
- Does Not Cover: Part B deductible.
- Best for: People who want the most coverage available today.
- Not for you if: You want the absolute lowest monthly premium.
- Typical cost: $145–$210/month.
- Why it’s popular: It’s the closest thing to full coverage available to new enrollees.
Plan N
- Plan N Covers: Nearly everything Plan G does, with small copays for doctor and ER visits.
- Does Not Cover: Part B deductible, Part B excess charges (extra fees some doctors bill above Medicare’s approved rate).
- Best for: Healthy people who want to save $20–$40/month compared to Plan G.
- Not for you if: You see doctors frequently or live in a state where excess charges are common.
- Typical cost: $100–$180/month.
- Why it’s popular: Lower premiums without giving up major coverage.
Plan F (Only for those eligible before Jan 1, 2020)
- What Plan F covers: Everything Medicare doesn’t, including the Part B deductible and excess charges.
- Does Not Cover: Nothing — it fills all gaps.
- Best for: Pre-2020 enrollees who want zero out-of-pocket costs.
- Not for you if: You’re new to Medicare.
- Typical cost: Highest monthly premiums.
- Why it’s popular: “Set it and forget it” coverage — but only if you’re eligible.
Budget Options We Offer (Lower Premiums, Some Cost-Sharing)
Plan K
- Plan K Covers: 50% of many costs, plus an annual out-of-pocket cap.
- Does Not Cover: Part B deductible, Part B excess charges, foreign travel.
- Best for: People who want very low premiums with a built-in safety net.
- Not for you if: You want predictable, minimal out-of-pocket costs.
- Typical cost: Among the lowest premiums.
Plan L
- Plan L Covers: 75% of many costs, with a lower out-of-pocket cap than Plan K.
- Does Not Cover: Part B deductible, Part B excess charges, foreign travel.
- Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want more protection than Plan K.
- Not for you if: You dislike cost-sharing.
- Typical cost: Low premiums, slightly higher than Plan K.
Plan M
- Plan M Covers: Half of the Part A deductible, skilled nursing, and foreign travel.
- Does Not Cover: Part B deductible, Part B excess charges.
- Best for: People willing to split hospital costs to save on premiums.
- Not for you if: You want complete hospital deductible coverage.
- Typical cost: Lower than Plan G, higher than K/L.
Basic Medicare Coverage
Plan A
- Covers: Part A & B coinsurance, first 3 pints of blood, hospice care.
- Does Not Cover: Skilled nursing, Part A deductible, Part B deductible, foreign travel.
- Best for: Those who want the lowest premium possible.
- Not for you if: You need stronger hospital or nursing protection.
- Typical cost: The cheapest Medigap plan, but least comprehensive.
Plan B
- Covers: Everything in Plan A + Part A deductible.
- Does Not Cover: Skilled nursing, Part B deductible, foreign travel.
- Best for: People who want a step up from Plan A at a low cost.
- Not for you if: You want broader coverage like skilled nursing.
- Typical cost: Low, slightly higher than Plan A.
Plan D
- Covers: Skilled nursing, Part A deductible, foreign travel.
- Does Not Cover: Part B deductible, Part B excess charges.
- Best for: People who want stronger hospital and travel protection.
- Not for you if: You want excess charge protection.
- Typical cost: Mid-range premium.
Real-Life Examples
- Mary, 67: Chronic conditions, frequent doctor visits → Plan G for comprehensive coverage.
- John, 70: Healthy, few doctor visits → Plan N to save on premiums.
- Susan, 72: Retired teacher on a tight budget → Plan K for low premiums with a cap on costs.
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage
| Feature | Medigap | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor choice | Any provider accepting Medicare | Usually limited to the network |
| Referrals | Not required | Often required |
| Monthly premium | Higher | Lower |
| Out-of-pocket costs | Very low | Higher (annual cap) |
| Prescription drugs | Not included (need Part D) | Usually included |
| Travel coverage | Some plans cover abroad | Mostly U.S.-only |
Quick Pick Guide
- Best overall coverage for new enrollees: Plan G
- Lowest-cost strong coverage: Plan N
- Best very low premium: Plan K
- Only if eligible before 2020: Plan F
- Absolute cheapest, most basic: Plan A
Common Mistakes That Cost Money
- Buying without comparing: Paying $60/month more means losing $7,200 over 10 years.
- Relying on brand names: Big insurers often charge more for identical coverage.
- Missing discounts: Household/spousal discounts can save 5–12%.
- Waiting past Open Enrollment: Leads to underwriting, higher premiums, or denial.
Warning: Choosing the wrong insurer could cost you $8,000–$10,000 more over the next decade for identical coverage. Always compare before you buy.
Savings Calculator Example
If you save $60/month by switching insurers for the same Plan G:
- 1 year: $720
- 5 years: $3,600
- 10 years: $7,200
- 20 years: $14,400
State-Specific Rules That Can Save You Money
- California & Oregon – Birthday Rule: Switch to equal/lesser Medigap plans around your birthday without underwriting.
- New York & Connecticut – Community Rating: Premiums aren’t based on age, so rates stay more stable.
- Missouri – Anniversary Rule: Switch to another insurer’s same-letter plan each year on your anniversary.
Medigap helps with eligible Original Medicare cost sharing. It does not solve the separate cost of ongoing help with bathing, dressing, or other daily activities. If you are planning ahead, compare coverage for long-term custodial care and the monthly care benefit you can afford. Contact The Annuity Expert for free quotes, subject to eligibility.
Traveling Outside the U.S.? You’ll Need More Than Medigap
What Medigap does abroad (Plans D, F, G, M, N):
- Covers: Up to 80% of emergency care outside the U.S.
- Limits: Only during the first 60 days of a trip and capped at $50,000 lifetime.
- Does Not Cover: Medical evacuation, non-emergency/routine care, or most preexisting-condition needs.
Add International Travel Insurance to:
- Get higher limits for emergency and urgent care.
- Include medical evacuation (often $50,000+ on its own).
- Protect trip costs (cancellation/interruption) and baggage.
- Cover many preexisting conditions (varies by policy).
Money-saving tips:
- Compare single-trip vs. annual multi-trip policies—annual can be cheaper for multiple getaways.
- Don’t rely on credit-card “travel” perks—most don’t include primary medical or evacuation.
- Match coverage to your itinerary (cruises and remote areas often require higher evac limits).
Also consider: A travel medical policy for long-term stays abroad if you’ll be outside the U.S. more than 60 days.
Get Expert Help Choosing the Right Medigap Plan
All Medigap plans of the same letter provide identical benefits — only the price and insurer stability differ. Comparing multiple quotes is the only way to avoid overspending for identical coverage.
Book a free consultation with The Annuity Expert today and take control of your healthcare costs!
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Glossary of Terms
- Coinsurance: The percentage of costs you pay after Medicare pays its share.
- Deductible: The amount you must pay out of pocket before Medicare starts paying.
- Excess Charges: Extra fees some doctors may bill above Medicare’s approved rate.
- Guaranteed Issue Rights: Protections that let you buy a Medigap plan without health questions.
- Out-of-Pocket Limit: The most you’ll pay in a year before your plan covers 100% of costs.
- Part A: Covers hospital care.
- Part B: Covers outpatient and doctor services.
- Premium: The monthly cost you pay for a Medigap plan.
Questions From Our Readers
Who is eligible for Medigap coverage?
Individuals enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B are eligible for Medigap coverage.
What are the benefits of having a Medigap policy?
Medigap policies provide benefits such as lower out-of-pocket costs, coverage of deductibles and coinsurance, and the ability to see any doctor who accepts Medicare.
When can I switch Medigap plans?
Anytime, but outside your Open Enrollment Period, insurers may require medical underwriting.
What happens if I miss my Medigap Open Enrollment window?
You may face higher premiums or be denied coverage unless you have guaranteed issue rights.
Does Medigap cover prescription drugs?
No. You’ll need a separate Part D plan.
Does Medigap replace Medicare Advantage?
No. Medigap supplements Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage is an alternative that replaces it.
Do Medigap premiums increase every year?
Most do. Attained-age policies rise with age, while issue-age and community-rated policies are more stable.
What happens if I move to another state?
You can keep your Medigap plan, but premiums may change based on your new ZIP code.
Do Medigap plans cover foreign travel emergencies?
Some (like G, N, and F) provide limited emergency coverage abroad.
Can I switch from Medigap to Medicare Advantage?
Yes, during open enrollment. But switching back later may require underwriting.
Is it cheaper to buy Medigap directly from the insurance company?
No. Premiums are the same, whether you purchase directly or through a broker. A broker compares across insurers for you.
Which Medigap plan is the most popular?
Plan G is currently the most popular choice for new enrollees.
Can Medigap cover long-term care?
No. Medigap does not cover custodial or nursing home care — you’d need long-term care insurance.
Can I be denied Medigap coverage?
Yes, if you apply outside of Open Enrollment and don’t have guaranteed issue rights.
What if I can’t afford Medigap anymore?
You can switch to a lower-cost plan (like Plan N or K) or explore Medicare Advantage. A broker can help compare affordable options.
Do I lose Medigap if I stop paying?
Yes. If premiums aren’t paid, your policy will lapse, and you may not be able to reapply without underwriting.
Which Medigap plan covers 100% of costs?
Plan F (if you’re eligible). Plan G comes closest for new enrollees, with only the Part B deductible left uncovered.
Is Medigap worth it if I’m healthy?
Yes. Even if you don’t use it much now, Medigap protects against unexpected, high medical bills later in retirement.