At age 65, the average cost of Medicare Supplement plans is $189 a month. By age 75, it increases to $238, nearly $600 more a year just from getting older. But Medigap costs vary more than the averages suggest. High-deductible options start at $61 a month, but you'll pay $2,950 out of pocket before coverage begins. Plan G costs about $220 a month and covers most of what Medicare doesn't pay. What you'll pay depends on your location and insurer. Rates for identical coverage can differ by hundreds of dollars between companies.
Medicare Supplement Cost (2026 Plan Year)
Updated: June 8, 2026
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Key Takeaways
The average Medigap premium is $189 a month at age 65 and rises to $238 by age 75, nearly $600 more a year.
Your total costs include monthly premiums, the $283 Part B deductible and potential copays or cost-sharing.
Comparing multiple insurers during Open Enrollment can save you $50 to $100 a month on identical coverage.
Plan G is the most popular Medigap plan for new enrollees, averaging $220 a month at age 65. High-deductible Plan G costs $61 a month but requires $2,950 out-of-pocket before coverage begins.
How Much Does Medicare Supplement Cost?
Covers basic benefits including Part A coinsurance and hospital costs | $213 | $266 | |
Includes Plan A benefits plus Part A deductible coverage | $257 | $324 | |
Offers comprehensive coverage including Part B deductible and foreign travel emergency care | $294 | $381 | |
Provides Plan A benefits plus Part A deductible and foreign travel emergency care | $225 | $306 | |
Most comprehensive coverage including all deductibles and coinsurance | $271 | $342 | |
Medigap Plan F High Deductible | Same as Plan F but with lower premiums and a high annual deductible you pay first | $66 | $85 |
Nearly identical to Plan F but doesn't cover the Part B deductible | $220 | $279 | |
Medigap Plan G High Deductible | Same as Plan G with lower premiums and a high annual deductible | $61 | $79 |
Covers 50% of most costs with lower premiums and an annual out-of-pocket limit | $110 | $139 | |
Covers 75% of most costs with an annual out-of-pocket limit | $179 | $226 | |
Covers 50% of Part A deductible and includes foreign travel emergency care | $185 | $239 | |
Requires copays for office and emergency room visits but offers lower premiums | $171 | $221 | |
Medigap Pricing and Eligibility
Costs shown represent national average monthly premiums based on MoneyGeek's analysis of Medigap plans. Your actual premium may vary based on your location, insurance company, rating method and health status. Plans C and F are only available to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
COMPARING PLAN G, PLAN N AND HIGH-DEDUCTIBLE PLAN G
- Plan G has been the go-to option for full coverage since Plan F closed to new enrollees in 2020. It covers everything Plan F covers except the $283 Part B deductible, and its lower monthly premium often offsets that difference within the first year.
- Plan N is worth a look if you rarely visit specialists. You'll pay up to $20 per office visit and up to $50 for ER visits that don't result in a hospital admission, but your monthly premium drops $49 compared to Plan G.
- High-deductible Plan G is worth it when your total annual health care costs stay below $4,783. At that threshold, $1,908 in yearly premium savings no longer offsets the $2,950 deductible you'd pay in a high-use year.
Medicare Supplement Cost by State
Your state can shift your Medigap cost by more than $190 a month for the same coverage. We checked prices in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and found that New York is the most expensive at $354 a month, while South Carolina and New Mexico are the cheapest at $160 for 65-year-olds. Several states, including New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota and Washington, use community or issue-age pricing, so premiums don't increase with age. Most states use attained-age pricing, where your rate rises each year.
$180 | $237 | |
$180 | $250 | |
$217 | $279 | |
$205 | $205 | |
$195 | $280 | |
$200 | $262 | |
$309 | $309 | |
$181 | $242 | |
$320 | $396 | |
$200 | $249 | |
$180 | $248 | |
$214 | $214 | |
$202 | $267 | |
$183 | $242 | |
$174 | $229 | |
$191 | $247 | |
$197 | $259 | |
$183 | $242 | |
$238 | $240 | |
$258 | $342 | |
$215 | $215 | |
$200 | $271 | |
$254 | $254 | |
$177 | $234 | |
$232 | $306 | |
$180 | $243 | |
$198 | $260 | |
$221 | $301 | |
$221 | $289 | |
$206 | $251 | |
$160 | $214 | |
$354 | $354 | |
$169 | $222 | |
$174 | $241 | |
$180 | $234 | |
$207 | $281 | |
$242 | $285 | |
$214 | $274 | |
$185 | $258 | |
$160 | $210 | |
$194 | $262 | |
$175 | $228 | |
$200 | $264 | |
$169 | $232 | |
$234 | $236 | |
$192 | $248 | |
$225 | $225 | |
$175 | $237 | |
$186 | $243 | |
$197 | $266 | |
Washington, D.C. | $212 | $280 |
*Costs shown represent average monthly premiums based on MoneyGeek's analysis of Medigap plans in each state. Some states regulate pricing methods, which affects how premiums increase with age.
Understanding Medigap Premiums, Deductibles and Other Costs
Medicare costs get confusing when you're working out your budget. You want to know exactly what you'll pay each month. Medigap adds monthly expenses on top of your existing Medicare costs.
- Community-rated (no-age-rated): Everyone pays the same premium regardless of age. Your rate increases only for inflation or other factors that affect all policyholders.
- Issue-age-rated (entry-age-rated): Your premium depends on your age when you first buy the policy. Your rate stays lower over time compared to attained-age pricing, though it can still increase for inflation.
- Attained-age-rated: Your premium increases as you get older. Attained-age premiums start lower but become the most expensive option over time.
- Plan N Copays: Plan N charges copays up to $20 for doctor visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that don't result in admission. You pay these amounts each time you use these services, even after meeting your Part B deductible. Claim denials do happen.
- Plans K and L Cost-Sharing: These plans split Medicare-approved costs with you until you reach an annual limit. Plan K covers 50% of costs. Your out-of-pocket expenses cap at $7,060 for 2025. Plan L covers 75% of costs with a $3,530 maximum out-of-pocket limit for 2025.
- Part D Prescription Coverage: Medigap plans don't include prescription drug coverage. You'll need a separate Medicare Part D plan, which runs $20 to $80 a month based on your plan and location.
- Foreign Travel Emergency Coverage: Most Medigap plans cover 80% of emergency care during foreign travel after you meet a $250 deductible. Your lifetime maximum for this benefit is $50,000.
Medigap Premiums
Your monthly Medigap premium goes directly to your private insurance company and covers the gaps in Original Medicare. This premium stays separate from your Medicare Part B premium, which you continue paying to the federal government. Medigap acts as secondary insurance, coordinating with Medicare to cover costs that Original Medicare doesn't fully pay.
Insurance companies calculate your premium using one of three pricing methods:
Medigap Deductibles
The Medicare Part B deductible stands at $283 for 2026. You pay this amount each year before Original Medicare coverage begins. Most Medigap plans don't cover this deductible, but Plan C and Plan F do cover it. You can only purchase these plans if you qualify for Medicare before Jan. 1, 2020.
High-deductible versions of Plan G require you to pay $2,950 out of pocket in 2025 before your supplemental coverage starts. This amount covers all Medicare-approved costs, including the Part B deductible. Once you meet this threshold, the plan pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the calendar year.
Additional Medicare Supplement Costs
In some cases, you'll have additional costs beyond premiums and deductibles:
MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT COST FACTORS
Your Medigap premium isn't random. Insurance companies weigh several factors when calculating your monthly rate:
- Your age matters most with attained-age pricing. Your premium goes up each year on your birthday, and a plan that's cheaper at 65 can cost more than a community-rated plan by the time you're 75. In states with community-rated pricing, like New York or Connecticut, your rate stays the same regardless of age.
- Where you live. Metro areas with more insurers competing for business have lower premiums than rural areas with fewer options. Florida and New York are consistently the most expensive states in our analysis. South Carolina and New Mexico are the most affordable.
- Tobacco use. Most states let insurers charge tobacco users up to 50% more, though some limit or ban these surcharges.
- The plan you pick. Plan G costs more than Plan N because it covers more services without copays.
- The insurance company you choose. Companies charge different rates for identical coverage, so shopping around matters.
How Can You Save on Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Costs
Nobody wants to overpay for Medigap. A little research upfront can save you money each year and keep the coverage you need. Shopping during your Open Enrollment Period gives you the most plan options and the lowest guaranteed rates. No insurer can deny you coverage or charge more based on your health during this window.
- 1Shop During Your Open Enrollment Period
Your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period starts when you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B. Insurance companies can't reject you or charge more based on your health during this window. Miss it and insurers can look at your medical history, charge you more or turn you down entirely. If you're retiring early, you'll need health insurance coverage before you turn 65 since you can't enroll in Medicare yet.
- 2Compare Multiple Insurance Companies
Medigap plans work the same way no matter who sells them. Plan G from State Farm covers the exact same services as Plan G from Mutual of Omaha. Yet premiums can differ by $50 to $100 a month between companies. Get quotes from at least three insurers before you buy. Comparing insurers is the single highest-impact step you can take. Most people who overpay for Medigap never shopped around during enrollment.
- 3Consider High-Deductible Options
High-deductible Plan G costs $61 a month at age 65, compared to $220 for standard Plan G. That's $1,908 in annual premium savings. But you'll pay the first $2,950 in Medicare-approved costs yourself before coverage starts. You come out ahead when your total annual health care costs stay below $4,783. High-deductible Plan G is the right fit for healthy enrollees who rarely need care.
- 4Review Your Plan Annually
Your health needs change. Your budget changes. Look at your Medigap coverage each year during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period to make sure it still works for you. You can switch plans anytime, though insurers can check your health if you're outside your initial enrollment period.
- 5Ask About Discounts
Many insurers offer discounts that cut your monthly premium. Common discounts include household discounts for couples, automatic payment discounts, nontobacco discounts and prior insurance discounts. Ask your insurer which discounts you qualify for.
MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT DISCOUNTS
Many insurers cut your monthly premium when you qualify for discounts:
- Household discount: You and your spouse both buy policies from the same company and save.
- Automatic payment discount: Set up automatic bank withdrawals and get a small premium reduction.
- Nontobacco discount: Confirm you're getting the nontobacco rate if you don't use tobacco.
- Prior insurance discount: Some companies lower premiums if you keep continuous health coverage before enrolling in Medigap.
Bottom Line
Medicare Supplement costs start around $189 a month at age 65 and climb as you age. Your location, tobacco use and chosen insurance company all affect your premium. Beyond monthly payments, budget for the $283 Part B deductible plus any plan-specific copays. Comparing insurers during your Open Enrollment Period can cut costs by $50 to $100 a month for identical coverage.
Cost of Medicare Supplement Plans: FAQ
Do Medicare Supplement premiums increase every year?
Your premiums can increase annually due to inflation and rising health care costs, regardless of pricing method. Attained-age-rated policies also increase on your birthday each year. Community-rated and issue-age-rated plans don't increase based on age but still adjust for inflation and claims experience. Annual increases run in the low single digits for inflation adjustments, though attained-age policies add an age-based increase on top of that.
What's the cheapest Medicare Supplement plan?
High-deductible Plan G has the lowest premium at $61 a month for 65-year-olds, but you'll pay $2,950 out of pocket before coverage starts. Plan K's premium of $110 a month is the next-lowest option, though it covers only 50% of costs.
Add up your expected annual health care costs and compare them against the $1,908 in premium savings. Whichever is lower is the better choice.
Can you switch Medicare Supplement plans to save money?
You can switch Medigap plans anytime, but insurers may check your health and charge more or deny coverage outside your initial enrollment period. Comparing plans can save $50 to $100 a month on identical coverage.
Several states offer additional enrollment rights beyond the initial Open Enrollment Period. In states with year-round guaranteed issue rules, you can switch plans anytime without health underwriting. Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to find out which protections apply in your state before you switch.
What costs does Medicare Supplement not cover?
Medigap doesn't cover prescription drugs, dental care, vision services, hearing aids or long-term care. You'll need a separate Part D plan for prescriptions, which runs $20 to $80 a month. Foreign travel emergency coverage caps at $50,000 lifetime and requires a $250 deductible. Medicare Advantage plans often bundle these benefits for enrollees who want an all-in-one approach.
Is a high-deductible Plan G worth it?
High-deductible Plan G saves you $1,908 annually in premiums compared to standard Plan G ($61 versus $220 a month at age 65). You come out ahead when your annual health care costs stay under $4,858.
Which Medicare Supplement plan do most people choose?
Plan G is the most popular current option for new Medicare enrollees. It covers nearly everything Medicare doesn't pay except the $283 Part B deductible. The average premium is $220 a month at age 65. Plan N is the second most common choice at $171 a month and suits people who rarely visit specialists or the ER.
MoneyGeek collected quotes for beneficiaries at age 65 and age 75. The two age points show how premiums increase over time and how much to budget for coverage throughout retirement.
Our Research Approach
We gathered 16,954 quotes from Medicare.gov across all available Medigap plan types in each state. This dataset shows what standardized Medicare Supplement plans actually cost across the country for the 2026 plan year. The figures give you realistic pricing expectations, whether you're newly eligible or already enrolled. We collected quotes in November 2025. They reflect 2026 plan year pricing.
Why We Analyzed Two Age Groups
Your age directly affects Medigap premiums. Most insurers use attained-age pricing. Your premium goes up as you get older. By comparing costs at age 65 (when most people first enroll) and age 75 (a decade into retirement), you can see how your budget needs will change over time.
Plan Types Covered
We covered all standardized Medigap plan types available in each state, including high-deductible versions of Plan F and Plan G. Plans C and F are no longer available to beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare on or after Jan. 1, 2020, so quotes for those plans apply only to legacy enrollees.
State-Specific Plan Systems
Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin don't use the standard plan letters. These states created their own plan names and benefit structures before Congress standardized Medigap plan letters nationally. If you live in one of these states, you'll see different plan options than the lettered plans available elsewhere.
What the Numbers Mean for You
Medigap plans with the same letter offer identical benefits regardless of which insurer sells them. Plan G from one insurer covers the exact same expenses as Plan G from another. The only difference is price.
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About Patrick Bryant
Patrick Bryant is the Vertical Lead for Life and Health Insurance at MoneyGeek, where he researches insurance products, writes consumer guides and maintains the scoring methodologies behind our provider comparisons. He analyzed more than 50 life insurance carriers across multiple policy types, collecting thousands of quotes nationwide to evaluate rates, coverage options and underwriting factors. His methodologies are reviewed quarterly to reflect current market conditions and carrier data.
Sources
- Medicare.gov. "Medicare & You 2026." Accessed June 8, 2026.
- Medicare.gov. "Medicare Coverage Outside the United States." Accessed June 8, 2026.
- Medicare.gov. "Medicare Supplement Insurance." Accessed June 8, 2026.