Medigap, also called Medicare Supplement Insurance, is a policy sold by private insurance companies that helps pay some of the health care costs Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesn't cover, such as copays, coinsurance and deductibles. You must have Part A and Part B, you pay a monthly premium, and each policy covers one person.
How Medigap works
With a Medigap policy, Original Medicare pays its share of the Medicare-approved amount first, and your Medigap policy pays its share next. You can generally see any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare, and some plans also help with emergency care while traveling outside the country.
- Plans are standardized and identified by letters, so a Plan G from one company has the same basic benefits as a Plan G from another — but premiums can differ.
- Medigap policies don't include prescription drug coverage, so most people pair Medigap with a Part D plan.
- Each spouse needs his or her own policy.
- Medigap can't be used with a Medicare Advantage plan. If you have Medicare Advantage, you would need to return to Original Medicare to use Medigap.
The best time to buy
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is the 6 months that start the first month you have Medicare Part B and are 65 or older. During this window, insurance companies can't deny you a policy or charge you more because of health problems. Outside of it, companies may use medical underwriting, so applying on time matters.
Medigap or Medicare Advantage?
Medigap usually has a higher monthly premium but low, predictable costs when you get care and the freedom to use any provider that accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage often has a lower premium but uses networks and copays. We'll compare both based on your doctors, travel plans and budget.
How EE Health Services helps
Our local agents explain your Medigap options, costs, coverage details and eligibility, compare premiums from the companies we work with, and help you pair your policy with the right Part D plan.
Questions about Medigap
Who is eligible for Medigap?
You need to be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. The strongest protections apply during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts when you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B.
Does Medigap cover prescription drugs?
No. Medigap policies sold today don't include drug coverage. Most people with Medigap also enroll in a stand-alone Medicare Part D plan.
Does my spouse need a separate Medigap policy?
Yes. Medigap policies cover one person, so each spouse needs his or her own policy.
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap?
You can return to Original Medicare during certain enrollment periods and then apply for Medigap, but outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period an insurer may review your health history. Talk with us before you switch.
Disclaimer: This page has not been reviewed or endorsed by Medicare.gov or any member of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Plan availability, benefits and costs vary by plan and county. Figures shown are 2027 Medicare program limits published by CMS.
Last reviewed: November 2026