Original Medicare is a federal healthcare program that covers most of your healthcare expenses but leaves some out-of-pocket costs for enrollees. To fill this coverage gap, many seniors enroll in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan to help cover the costs that Original Medicare leaves behind. Medigap plans can ensure you receive the most comprehensive coverage possible. Below we answer what the best Medicare Supplement plan is in 2026 and help determine which plan is best for you.
What Is the Best Supplemental Insurance for Medicare?
The best health insurance for any person will depend on their health, financial status, and needs. Pinpointing the best supplemental insurance for Medicare may differ between individuals. However, the best type of supplemental coverage for Medicare is often a Medicare Supplement plan.
Other supplemental coverage types include Medicare Advantage, veterans', and employer health plans. However, a Medicare Supplement plan often provides the most comprehensive coverage compared to other options.
What Are the Top 3 Medicare Supplement Plans?
Medicare Supplement plans pay secondary, meaning they pay after Original Medicare pays its portion. Each plan is identified by a letter, A through N. There are 12 Medigap plans available: ten standard lettered plans and two high-deductible options. Across all carriers, benefits from the same letter plan are identical.
The top three Medicare Supplement plans are those with the highest levels of benefits. These plans are popular because of their coverage, low out-of-pocket costs, availability, and overall client satisfaction:
Medigap Plan F - the most comprehensive option, covering 100% of Medicare-approved costs
Medigap Plan G - the most popular plan for new enrollees, covering everything except the Part B deductible
Medigap Plan N - the most budget-friendly option with small copays at the doctor and ER
Medicare Supplement Plan F: The Premium-Only Plan
Medicare Supplement Plan F is the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement option available. This plan supplies you with 100% coverage after Original Medicare pays its portion. While enrolled in Plan F, you will never spend a dime on any Medicare-covered medical service outside your monthly premium.
Plan F covers Medicare Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. It also includes coverage for foreign travel emergency care. However, not everyone is eligible. To enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan F, you must have had Original Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you enrolled in Part A or Part B before 2020, you may keep, enroll in, or switch to Plan F.
Who is Plan F best for?
Plan F may be the right choice if you frequently visit doctors and hospitals, live in a state that allows excess charges, or often travel outside the United States.
If you want the benefits of Plan F at a lower monthly premium, Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan F may be right for you. High Deductible Plan F offers the same benefits as standard Plan F but requires you to meet a $2,950 deductible in 2026 before coverage kicks in. This higher deductible significantly lowers the monthly premium. To be eligible for High Deductible Plan F, you must also qualify for standard Plan F.
Medicare Supplement Plan G: The Budgeter's Plan
Medicare Supplement Plan G allows you to budget your medical spending by being responsible for only the annual Medicare Part B deductible. After meeting that deductible, you receive 100% coverage on all Medicare-covered medical expenses.
In 2026, the Medicare Part B deductible is $283. Outside your monthly premium, your only out-of-pocket medical cost for the entire year is $283. Due to Medicare Supplement Plan F enrollment restrictions, Plan G is now the most popular Medigap option for new enrollees.
Plan G may be the best plan for those who:
Want to avoid surprise out-of-pocket hospital costs
Seek low annual rate increases
Like to travel outside of the United States
Live in a state that allows excess charges
Medicare Supplement High Deductible Plan G covers the same benefits as standard Plan G but offers a lower monthly premium due to a higher deductible. The deductible for High Deductible Plan G is $2,950 in 2026, the same as High Deductible Plan F. This option is best for those who cannot afford the standard Plan G premium or who are looking for catastrophic-level coverage.
High Deductible Plan F vs. High Deductible Plan G
If you enrolled in Original Medicare before 2020, you are eligible for High Deductible Plan F. Those who enrolled in 2020 or later are only eligible for High Deductible Plan G.
Medicare Supplement Plan N: The Pay-As-You-Go Plan
Medicare Supplement Plan N is the most budget-friendly option among the top three Medigap plans. Plan N covers the complete Medicare Part A deductible and the Part B 20% coinsurance. However, it leaves you responsible for the Part B deductible, small copays, and excess charges where applicable.
With Plan N, you will owe a $20 copayment at the doctor and a $50 copayment for an emergency room visit. You will not owe copays at urgent care facilities. Excess charges are rare, even in states that allow them, but Plan N does not cover them.
Plan N may be the best choice for those who:
Seek a relatively low monthly premium
Do not regularly visit the doctor or hospital
Do not mind small copayments
Are not concerned about excess charges
Plan Comparison: F vs. G vs. N
| Benefit | Plan F | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|---|
Part A deductible | Covered | Covered | Covered |
Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) | Covered | Not covered | Not covered |
Part B coinsurance | Covered | Covered | Covered (with copays) |
Part B excess charges | Covered | Covered | Not covered |
Foreign travel emergency | Up to 80% | Up to 80% | Up to 80% |
Doctor office copay | None | None | Up to $20 |
ER copay | None | None | Up to $50 |
Eligibility | Pre-2020 enrollees only | All enrollees | All enrollees |
Benefits are standardized by federal law. Premiums vary by carrier, age, and location.
Which Is the Most Affordable Medicare Supplement Plan?
There is no one-size-fits-all Medicare Supplement plan. Every person enrolling in Medigap has varying health needs and budgets. High-deductible plans carry the lowest monthly premiums, ranging from approximately $40 to $80 per month depending on your state, but you must meet the $2,950 deductible before coverage begins.
For most people, Medicare Supplement Plan G offers the best overall value. It has a mid-range monthly premium, and outside of the $283 Part B deductible, all Medicare-covered costs are fully covered. When you combine the premium and out-of-pocket costs, Plan G is often the lowest-cost comprehensive plan available to new enrollees.
Pro Tip: Compare carriers, not just plans
Benefits within the same letter plan are identical across all insurance carriers. The only difference is the monthly premium. Always compare rates from multiple carriers in your area before enrolling.
How to Find the Best Medicare Supplement Plan for You
Comparing Medicare Supplement plans is the most important step in finding the right coverage. Consider the following when evaluating your options:
Your health: If you visit doctors or specialists frequently, a more comprehensive plan like Plan G may save you money overall
Your budget: If your priority is a low monthly premium, Plan N or a high-deductible plan may be the right fit
Your location: If you live in a state that allows excess charges, Plan F or Plan G provides protection
Your travel habits: All three top plans include foreign travel emergency coverage up to 80% after a $250 deductible
Carrier rates: Because benefits are standardized, always compare premiums from multiple carriers in your area
A licensed Medicare insurance agent can help you compare rates from every carrier in your area at no cost to you. At MedicareFAQ, our agents are focused on finding the right plan for your needs, not on promoting a particular carrier.
Need Help Understanding Your Medicare Options?
Our licensed Medicare experts can help you find the right coverage for your needs.