Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans Explained for 2025
Aging in or hooked up with Medicare? You’ve probably heard of “Medicare Supplement Plans,” also known as Medigap – but sifting through what they cover (and if you need one) can seem confusing.
This guide clearly explains what Medigap plans are, how they work in 2025, what they cover, and how to choose the most suitable plan for your health and budget.
🩺 What Are Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans?
Medicare Supplement Plans are private insurance policies designed to cover out-of-pocket costs not paid by Original Medicare (Parts A and B), such as:
- Copayments
- Coinsurance
- Deductibles
- Excess charges
These plans are standardized and labeled Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N, based on coverage levels.
✅ What Medigap Plans Typically Cover
| Benefit | Covered by Most Plans |
|---|---|
| Medicare Part A coinsurance | ✅ |
| Medicare Part B coinsurance/copayment | ✅ |
| First 3 pints of blood | ✅ |
| Part A hospice care coinsurance | ✅ |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance | ✅ |
| Part A deductible | ✔ (varies by plan) |
| Emergency travel (foreign) | ✅ (some plans) |
🚫 What Medigap Does NOT Cover
- Prescription drugs (requires Part D)
- Vision, dental, or hearing aids
- Long-term or nursing home care
- Private-duty nursing
- Out-of-network services under Medicare Advantage
Top Medicare Supplement Plans in 2025
- Plan G: Most comprehensive for new enrollees (Plan F not available to new subscribers)
- Plan N: Balanced option with lower premiums and some copays
- High Deductible Plan G: Lower monthly payment, higher annual deductible
- Plan F: Available only to those enrolled before 2020, offers the most coverage
- Plan K and L: Lower-cost options with partial coverage
🧾 When Can You Enroll?
Medigap Open Enrollment Period: A 6-month window beginning the month you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B.
- No medical underwriting during this period
- After this period, acceptance may depend on your health
🎯 Tips on How to Select a Medicare Supplement Plan
- ✅ Compare monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs
- ☑ Confirm your preferred doctors accept Original Medicare
- ✅ Understand your current and future health needs
- ✅ Consider a Part D plan for prescription drug coverage
- ✅ Use Medicare.gov to compare plans side-by-side
❓ FAQ
Q1: What is the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement insurance?
Medicare Advantage is an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare, often including networks and extra benefits. Medigap supplements Original Medicare by covering additional out-of-pocket costs like copays and deductibles.
Q2: Does Plan G outdo Plan N?
Plan G offers more comprehensive coverage but is more expensive. Plan N has lower premiums but includes copays for some services. The best plan depends on your health needs and financial situation.
Q3: Is it possible to switch Medicare Supplement plans later?
Yes, but after your initial enrollment window, insurers may use medical underwriting, meaning you could be denied or charged more based on your health status.
Q4: Do Medigap plans cover dental or prescriptions?
No. Medigap does not cover dental, vision, hearing, or prescription drugs. You will need a Part D plan or separate dental/vision coverage.
Q5: How do I fare when I travel out of the country?
Some Medigap plans (such as Plans G, N, and F) cover foreign emergency medical expenses — typically up to 80% after a deductible is met.
