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Medigap Plans A Through N Compared: 2026 Chart Guide
See exactly what every Medigap Plan A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N covers in this 2026 comparison chart — with premiums, gaps, and how to pick the right one.
Quick Summary
Medigap plans are standardized, meaning Plan G from Company A is identical to Plan G from Company B. Plan G is the most popular for full coverage, while Plan N offers lower premiums if you don't mind small copays.
Ready to shop for Medigap rates in your ZIP? See our Medicare Supplement hub →/medicare/medigap
When you choose Original Medicare, you are responsible for 20% of your medical bills with no limit. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance is designed to pay that 20% for you. When you have medigap plans compared, you'll see there are 10 different versions, but for most people in 2026, the choice comes down to just two: Plan G or Plan N.
2026 Medigap Comparison Chart
| Benefits | Plan G | Plan N | Plan A | Plan K/L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A Deductible ($1,676) | 100% Covered | 100% Covered | Not Covered | 50-75% Covered |
| Part B Coinsurance (20%) | 100% Covered | 100% Covered* | 100% Covered | 50-75% Covered |
| Part B Excess Charges | 100% Covered | Not Covered | Not Covered | Not Covered |
| Skilled Nursing Coinsurance | 100% Covered | 100% Covered | Not Covered | 50-75% Covered |
| Part B Deductible ($276) | Not Covered | Not Covered | Not Covered | Not Covered |
| Foreign Travel Emergency | 80% Covered | 80% Covered | Not Covered | Not Covered |
*Plan N requires a copay of up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for ER visits that don't result in an inpatient admission.
Average Monthly Medigap Premiums (2026)
| Plan G | $150 |
| Plan N | $115 |
| Plan A | $90 |
Plan G vs. Plan N: Which Should You Choose?
For most new Medicare enrollees, these are the two viable options. Plan G is for those who want to pay one monthly premium and never see another medical bill (except for the $276 Part B deductible). Plan N is for those who are generally healthy and want to save $30-$50 per month in exchange for small copays.
Guaranteed Issue Window
Your best time to buy Medigap is during the 6 months starting when you are both 65 and have Part B. During this 'Open Enrollment' window, companies MUST sell you a plan at the best rate, regardless of your health history.
What About Plans C and F?
You may hear older friends talking about Plan F. However, Plans C and F are no longer available to anyone who became eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020. If you are new to Medicare, Plan G is the most comprehensive plan you can buy.
Full Medigap Benefits Chart: All Available Plans
| Benefit | Plan A | Plan B | Plan D | Plan G | Plan K | Plan L | Plan M | Plan N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A Coinsurance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 50% | 75% | ✓ | ✓ |
| Part A Deductible ($1,676) | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 50% | 75% | 50% | ✓ |
| Part B Coinsurance (20%) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 50% | 75% | ✓ | ✓ (copay) |
| Part B Excess Charges | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Skilled Nursing Coinsurance | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | 50% | 75% | ✓ | ✓ |
| Foreign Travel Emergency (80%) | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
*Plan N covers Part B coinsurance but charges a copay of up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for ER visits that don't result in inpatient admission.
Plans K and L: Lower Premium, Shared Risk
Plans K and L cover a percentage of most gaps instead of 100%. Plan K covers 50%; Plan L covers 75%. Both have annual out-of-pocket limits — approximately $7,220 (Plan K) and $3,610 (Plan L) in 2026 — after which they pay 100%. These are good options if you want catastrophic protection at a lower monthly cost and are comfortable with moderate cost-sharing for routine care.
3 Ways Medigap Premiums Are Calculated
| Rating Method | How It Works | Long-Term Cost Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Community-rated | Same price for all ages in an area | Premium doesn't rise just because you get older |
| Issue-age-rated | Based on your age when you first enroll | Locked in at your enrollment age; lower if enrolled young |
| Attained-age-rated | Rises each year as you age | Cheapest initially; often most expensive over a lifetime |
Always Shop Rates — Benefits Are Identical by Law
Plan G from Company A covers exactly the same benefits as Plan G from Company B. The only differences are price, customer service reputation, and rate history. Use your state's free SHIP counselor to compare all insurers selling your plan letter in your ZIP code — premiums for the same plan can vary by $80–$150/month.
Guaranteed Issue Rights: When You Can Skip Underwriting
Outside your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment window, applying for a new Medigap plan usually requires medical underwriting. However, federal law grants guaranteed issue rights in specific situations — meaning the insurer MUST accept you at standard rates regardless of health:
- Your Medicare Advantage plan leaves your area or ends its Medicare contract
- You are leaving a Medicare Advantage plan within the first 12 months (trial right)
- You lose employer or union coverage that supplemented Medicare
- Your Medigap insurer becomes insolvent or violates its contract
- You move out of your Medicare Advantage plan's service area
Do You Need a Separate Part D Plan With Medigap?
Yes — Medigap plans contain no prescription drug coverage. If you choose Original Medicare + Medigap, you must also enroll in a standalone Part D plan during your Initial Enrollment Period. Skipping Part D leads to a permanent late enrollment penalty: 1% of the national base beneficiary premium for every month you went without creditable drug coverage. Most Medigap enrollees choose a standalone PDP in the $10–$50/month range.
Medigap vs Medicare Advantage: Key Differences
| Feature | Medigap + Original Medicare | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor choice | Any Medicare-accepting provider — nationwide | In-network providers only (usually local) |
| Predictability | Very high — Medigap pays the 20% | Moderate — copays per visit, capped by OOP max |
| Extra benefits | None (dental/vision need separate plans) | Dental, vision, OTC card, fitness often included |
| Monthly cost (est.) | Part B + Medigap + Part D = ~$350–$500/mo | Part B + plan premium = ~$200–$280/mo typical |
| Best for | Heavy healthcare users, travelers, those wanting no-surprise bills | Healthy retirees wanting extra benefits at lower premium |
Plan G vs Plan N: The Break-Even Math
The typical premium difference between Plan G and Plan N is $35–$65/month. Plan N charges up to $20/office visit copay. If you visit the doctor fewer than 2–3 times per month, Plan N's copays likely cost less annually than the premium gap. Calculate based on your typical usage.
State Variations in Medigap
Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have their own standardized Medigap plan structures that don't use the federal A–N lettering system. If you live in one of these states, your state SHIP office can walk you through the local options, which are different from the standard plans described in this guide.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Medigap plans only work with Original Medicare, not Medicare Advantage
- ✓Benefits for each lettered plan (G, N, etc.) are identical across all companies
- ✓Plan G is the gold standard for full coverage in 2026
- ✓Plan N offers lower premiums for those willing to pay small copays
- ✓You must buy during your 6-month open enrollment for guaranteed acceptance
- ✓Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage (Part D)
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer: SeniorPop is not affiliated with Medicare, Medicaid, or any government agency. Benefit availability varies by plan and location. Contact a licensed Medicare advisor for plan-specific information.