Medigap (also called Medicare Supplement) pays most of the gaps that Original Medicare leaves behind — the 20% Part B coinsurance, hospital costs after Part A coverage runs out, and more.
But unlike Original Medicare, Medigap premiums vary a lot — by plan letter, age, ZIP code, gender, tobacco use, and the insurance company. Here's what real pricing looks like in 2026.
2026 Medigap Premium Ranges
| Plan Letter | Typical Monthly Premium (Age 65) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Plan G | $100–$180/mo | Most comprehensive coverage available to new enrollees |
| Plan N | $80–$150/mo | Lower premium in exchange for small office-visit copays |
| High-Deductible Plan G | $40–$70/mo | Healthy enrollees willing to pay first $2,870 before coverage starts |
| Plan F (legacy) | $140–$250/mo | Only if you were Medicare-eligible before Jan 1, 2020 |
| Plan K, L, M | $50–$130/mo | Niche cost-sharing options — rarely the best fit |
Ranges based on typical 2026 rates across major U.S. markets. Your actual premium can land outside these bands depending on ZIP code and carrier.
What Drives Your Medigap Premium
- Pricing method. Carriers use "community-rated," "issue-age-rated," or "attained-age-rated" pricing. Attained-age premiums start low and rise as you age — the most common method.
- Your age. The same Plan G might cost $115 at 65 and $190 at 80 from the same company.
- ZIP code. Urban areas with higher healthcare costs typically run 20–40% higher than rural areas.
- Tobacco use. Smokers can pay 10–15% more.
- Household discount. Many carriers discount 5–12% if both spouses enroll.
Identical coverage, different price. Every Plan G is federally standardized — coverage is identical no matter which company sells it. The only thing that varies is the premium. Always shop multiple carriers for the same letter.
Plan G vs. Plan N vs. High-Deductible G — Real Numbers
| Cost Line | Plan G | Plan N | High-Deductible G |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg premium at age 65 | $130/mo | $110/mo | $55/mo |
| Annual deductible (you pay) | $257 (Part B) | $257 (Part B) | $2,870 before plan pays |
| Office-visit copay | $0 | Up to $20 | $0 after deductible met |
| ER copay | $0 | Up to $50 (waived if admitted) | $0 after deductible met |
| Excess charges covered | Yes | No | Yes |
| Typical max annual cost | ~$1,820 in premiums | ~$1,700 + small copays | ~$2,870 deductible + premiums |
Meet Catherine — Why She Switched Carriers, Not Plans
Catherine, 72, had been paying $215/month for Plan G with a well-known carrier in California. A friend mentioned her Plan G premium was $138. Identical coverage.
Catherine shopped around and moved to a different carrier for the same Plan G at $142/month — saving over $870 a year for the exact same benefits.
The catch: she had to qualify medically because she was outside her Open Enrollment Period. She did. But that's exactly why the OEP at 65 matters so much.
The 6-Month Window That Changes Everything
For 6 months starting the month you turn 65 and enroll in Part B, you have guaranteed-issue rights — any insurer must sell you any Medigap policy at standard rates, no medical questions, no exclusions.
After your Open Enrollment ends, medical underwriting kicks in
Why Premiums Rise Every Year
Medigap premiums typically rise 3–8% per year regardless of carrier — driven by general healthcare inflation, your age (under attained-age pricing), and the carrier's overall claims experience.
That's why a Medigap plan that looks cheapest at 65 isn't always cheapest at 75. Ask about the carrier's rate history — some companies are known for stable increases, others for steep jumps in years 3–5.
Total True Cost: Original Medicare + Medigap G + Part D
| Line Item | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Part B Premium | $202.90 |
| Medigap Plan G | ~$130 |
| Part D Drug Plan | ~$45 |
| Total Monthly | ~$378 |
| Annual | ~$4,536 |
Higher monthly than Medicare Advantage — but with near-zero surprises, no networks, and predictable budgeting for the rest of the year.
See real Medigap quotes for your ZIP code.
We'll pull rates from multiple top-rated carriers for the same plan letter — so you can see which one's truly the best deal where you live.
Book a free call