What Are the Top 5 Medicare Supplement Plans?

Medicare Supplement plans (Medigap) fill the cost-sharing gaps in Original Medicare. About 13.6 million people have one. All Medigap plans are standardized by letter (A through N), meaning Plan G from one insurer covers the same things as Plan G from another. The only differences between carriers are price, customer service, and claims processing. Here are the five most popular plans.

Plan G: The Most Popular Choice

Plan G accounts for about 39% of all Medigap enrollment. It covers everything except the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026). That means after you pay $283 at the start of the year, Plan G picks up all remaining gaps: Part A deductible, coinsurance, hospital costs, skilled nursing coinsurance, and Part B excess charges. Plan G has become the go-to plan since Plan F was closed to new Medicare enrollees after January 1, 2020.

Plan F: Full Coverage (Grandfathered)

Plan F covers everything, including the Part B deductible. It's the most comprehensive Medigap plan available. The catch: it's only available to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. About 36% of current Medigap enrollees have Plan F. Premiums tend to be higher than Plan G, and the pool of enrollees is aging (no new members), which pushes rates up over time.

Plan N: Lower Premiums with Small Copays

Plan N covers about 10% of Medigap enrollees. It has lower premiums than G or F but charges small copays: up to $20 for doctor visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that don't result in admission. Plan N also doesn't cover Part B excess charges. If your doctors accept Medicare assignment (most do), excess charges aren't a concern.

Plan A: Basic Coverage

Plan A is the most basic Medigap option. It covers Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Part B coinsurance, blood (first 3 pints), and Part A hospice care coinsurance. It does not cover the Part A deductible, Part B deductible, Part B excess charges, or skilled nursing facility coinsurance. Premiums are the lowest, but you're left with more gaps.

High-Deductible Plan G

High-Deductible Plan G works like regular Plan G but with a deductible you must meet first (set annually by CMS). Once you pay that deductible out of pocket, the plan covers everything Plan G covers. Premiums are significantly lower, making this a good option if you're healthy and want Medigap coverage as a safety net rather than for regular use.

How to Choose

Since benefits are standardized, shop by price. Get quotes from multiple insurers for the same plan letter. Enroll during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (the 6 months starting when you're 65 and enrolled in Part B) to get guaranteed issue rights, meaning insurers can't deny you or charge more based on health. After that window, underwriting applies in most states.