As you approach retirement or begin navigating Medicare, you may realize that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t cover all healthcare expenses. That’s where Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as Medigap, comes in. These private plans help cover costs like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. But with multiple plans available, how do you choose the right one?
This article will walk you through the top-rated Medicare Supplement plans in 2025, including a detailed comparison, what each plan covers, and how to choose the best one for your needs.
🔍 What Is a Medicare Supplement Plan?
Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap) are private insurance policies that work alongside Original Medicare to help pay for out-of-pocket expenses. They do not cover prescription drugs (Part D), dental, vision, or hearing.
Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government, meaning Plan G from one insurer offers the same coverage as Plan G from another—though premiums, customer service, and extras can vary.
⭐ Top-Rated Medicare Supplement Plans in 2025
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular and top-rated Medigap plans based on benefits, popularity, and customer satisfaction.
| Medigap Plan | Best For | Covers Part B Deductible? | Covers Foreign Travel? | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G | Overall value & comprehensive coverage | ❌ | ✅ (80%) | Most popular among new enrollees |
| Plan N | Lower premiums & healthy individuals | ❌ | ✅ (80%) | Popular for cost-conscious seniors |
| Plan F* | Full coverage (for those eligible before 2020) | ✅ | ✅ (80%) | Still in use by many, but not available to new enrollees |
| High-Deductible Plan G | Very low premium, higher risk | ❌ | ✅ (80%) | Growing in popularity for low users |
| Plan A | Basic coverage only | ❌ | ❌ | Least popular |
*Note: Plan F is only available to people who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
🥇 Plan G: The Best Overall Medigap Plan
Medigap Plan G is widely considered the best value for new Medicare beneficiaries. It covers:
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
- Part B coinsurance/copayment
- Blood (first 3 pints)
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
- Part A deductible
- Foreign travel emergency (up to plan limits)
- No out-of-pocket maximum
🔹 What it doesn’t cover: Part B deductible ($240 in 2025)
💸 Average Monthly Cost of Plan G
| State | Monthly Premium Range |
|---|---|
| California | $130 – $170 |
| Florida | $140 – $180 |
| Texas | $120 – $160 |
| New York | $180 – $250 |
| Illinois | $110 – $150 |
Premiums depend on your age, location, gender, tobacco use, and pricing model of the insurer (community-rated, issue-age-rated, or attained-age-rated).
🧘 Plan N: Great Coverage with Lower Premiums
Plan N offers a great balance of coverage and cost savings. It covers almost everything Plan G does, except:
- You pay up to $20 for doctor visits and $50 for ER visits (if not admitted).
- Does not cover Part B excess charges (which some doctors may bill).
🟢 Best for: Seniors who are generally healthy and don’t visit doctors frequently.
🟡 Drawback: Unexpected out-of-pocket charges if doctors don’t accept Medicare assignment.
🔼 High-Deductible Plan G: Ideal for Low-Utilizers
This is a budget-friendly version of Plan G. You pay a lower premium in exchange for a higher annual deductible (approx. $2,800 in 2025). Once the deductible is met, it functions exactly like regular Plan G.
🔹 Pros:
- Very low monthly premiums ($35–$55)
- Good for people who rarely use medical services
🔸 Cons:
- High out-of-pocket cost if you get sick
🔐 Plan F: Legacy Plan for Grandfathered Beneficiaries
If you were eligible for Medicare before 2020, you might still be able to enroll in Plan F, which is the most comprehensive Medigap plan.
✅ Covers everything, including the Part B deductible
🚫 Not available to new Medicare enrollees
While it offers full coverage, its premiums are higher, and Plan G is now the more cost-effective choice for new enrollees.
🔍 How to Compare Medicare Supplement Providers
While the coverage is standardized, insurers differ in several ways. Here’s what to consider:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Affects how your premiums increase over time |
| Customer Service | Important for claims handling and support |
| Financial Strength | Choose companies with high ratings from A.M. Best or Moody’s |
| Discounts | Household, non-smoker, or autopay discounts may be offered |
| Enrollment Process | Simpler online and phone enrollments are a plus |
🏢 Best-Rated Medigap Insurance Companies in 2025
Here are some of the highest-rated Medigap insurance providers in terms of customer satisfaction, stability, and plan options:
| Company | A.M. Best Rating | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Mutual of Omaha | A+ | Competitive pricing & trusted service |
| AARP/UnitedHealthcare | A | Wide network & discounts |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | A+ | Strong regional coverage |
| Cigna | A | Easy online management |
| Humana | A- | Affordable Plan G and N options |
🕒 When to Enroll in a Medigap Plan
Your best time to enroll is during the Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which is:
📅 6 months starting the first day of the month you’re 65+ and enrolled in Medicare Part B.
✅ During this period:
- You can buy any Medigap policy without medical underwriting.
- You cannot be denied or charged more due to health issues.
🛑 After this period, insurance companies may:
- Deny your application
- Charge higher premiums due to pre-existing conditions
📌 Tips for Choosing the Right Medigap Plan
- Evaluate your healthcare needs – frequency of doctor visits, travel, chronic conditions
- Compare premiums and rate increase history – ask for past 3–5 years’ trends
- Check the provider network – especially for doctors accepting Medicare assignment
- Ask about discounts – household discounts can save 5%–12%
- Use the official Medicare Plan Finder tool or consult a licensed Medicare agent
❓ FAQ: Medicare Supplement Plans
Q1. Can I have a Medicare Advantage and Medigap plan together?
❌ No. You cannot have both. You must choose either a Medigap plan with Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C).
Q2. Are prescription drugs covered under Medigap?
No. You’ll need a separate Medicare Part D plan for prescription drug coverage.
Q3. Will my Medigap plan cover dental or vision?
No. Medigap only covers costs associated with Original Medicare services. You’ll need standalone dental/vision plans.
📝 Final Thoughts
Choosing a Medicare Supplement plan is a crucial step toward securing your health and finances during retirement. While Plan G remains the gold standard for most, options like Plan N or High-Deductible Plan G may better suit certain lifestyles or budgets.
Take the time to compare plans and providers, ideally during your open enrollment window. If needed, consult with a licensed Medicare advisor to find the best Medicare Supplement plan for your unique situation.