Compare Medigap Plan Benefits (2025 Guide)

Choosing the right Medicare Supplement plan — also called Medigap — can be confusing at first. There are several plan options (labeled A through N), and while each helps pay for costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, the details can vary.

That’s why comparing the plans side by side is so important. This guide breaks down how Medigap plans differ, what benefits they share, and how to decide which one fits your needs best — all in plain English.

What Is a Medigap Plan?

Medigap plans are private insurance policies that work together with Original Medicare (Parts A and B). They help pay for things like:

• Deductibles

• Coinsurance

• Copayments
  — which are the out-of-pocket costs left over after Medicare pays its share.

Each Medigap plan is standardized by the federal government. That means a Plan G in Florida provides the same coverage as a Plan G in California — only the price may differ.

Why Comparing Plans Matters

While all Medigap plans are designed to fill Medicare’s “gaps,” not all cover the same services or costs. Some offer basic protection, while others provide more complete coverage — often at a higher premium.

If you understand the main differences, you can avoid paying for benefits you may never use and find the plan that truly fits your lifestyle and budget.

The 2025 Medigap Comparison Chart

Here’s a side-by-side look at what each plan covers. This chart is current for 2025 and shows how the main benefits differ between Plans A through N.

✅ = the plan covers 100% of this benefit
❌ = the plan doesn’t cover this benefit
% = the plan covers that percentage
N/A = not applicable

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* Plans F and G also offer a high-deductible version in some states. You must pay for Medicare-covered costs (coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles) up to $2,870 in 2025 before your policy starts paying.

** For Plans K and L, after you meet your out-of-pocket yearly limit and your yearly Part B deductible ($257 in 2025), the plan pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the year.

*** Plan N pays 100% of Part B services except for small copayments (up to $20 for office visits and up to $50 for ER visits not resulting in admission).

Understanding the Benefits in Simple Terms

Here’s what each category in the chart really means — without the insurance jargon.

Part A Coinsurance & Hospital Costs

If you stay in the hospital, Medicare pays most of the bill. But after a certain number of days, you start paying coinsurance. All Medigap plans cover this fully — giving you peace of mind during long stays.

Part B Coinsurance or Copayment

Every time you see a doctor or specialist, Medicare covers 80% of the approved cost. You pay the remaining 20%. Most Medigap plans (except K and L) cover that remaining 20%, meaning you’ll have little or no bill.

Blood (First 3 Pints)

Medicare doesn’t pay for the first three pints of blood each year. Medigap plans help with that — so you don’t get hit with unexpected hospital charges.

Hospice Care Coinsurance

Even at life’s end, hospice services can add up. Medigap ensures that hospice stays and related medical costs are covered, reducing stress for families.

Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance

If you need rehabilitation or skilled care after a hospital stay, Medicare covers the first 20 days in full, but you pay after that. Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N help with these costs.

Deductibles (Parts A & B)

Before Medicare starts paying, you must meet a deductible. Some Medigap plans pay these for you, while others don’t. Plans F and C are the most comprehensive, though Plan F is only available to those eligible before 2020.

Part B Excess Charges

Some doctors charge up to 15% more than the Medicare-approved amount. Plans F and G cover this. Plan N doesn’t — but you can easily avoid these charges by seeing doctors who accept Medicare assignment.

Foreign Travel Emergency

If you travel abroad, Original Medicare usually doesn’t cover care outside the U.S. Several Medigap plans pay 80% of eligible emergency care costs abroad (up to certain limits).

Key Differences Explained

While the chart looks complex, most people focus on just three or four plans:

• Plan G – Most comprehensive available to new enrollees.

• Plan N – Similar to G, with lower premiums and small copays.

• Plan K and L – Lower premiums but partial coverage (great for those comfortable with higher out-of-pocket costs).

• Plan F – Fully comprehensive but only for those eligible before 2020.

If you’re looking for balance, Plan N is often the best mix of coverage and cost. If you want zero surprises, Plan G is the “premium” choice.

Example: How the Plans Differ in Real Life

Let’s compare two examples — same situation, different plans:

Example 1: Plan G
John has a doctor visit that costs $150. Medicare pays 80% ($120). His Plan G covers the remaining 20% ($30). John pays nothing after his small annual deductible.

Example 2: Plan N
Sarah has the same doctor visit. Medicare pays 80% ($120). Her Plan N pays 80% of what’s left, and she pays a small $20 copay. Sarah’s monthly premium is $25 cheaper than John’s.

Over the course of a year, Sarah saves hundreds — but pays a few small copays.

Choosing the Right Plan for You

The “best” Medigap plan depends on your health, lifestyle, and budget.

Here’s a simple guide:

Plans No Longer Sold to New Enrollees

Plan C and Plan F stopped being sold to new Medicare enrollees after January 1, 2020. If you were eligible before that date, you can still keep or buy one. If not, Plan G or N are your main alternatives.

How Plan Pricing Works

Even though benefits are standardized, prices are not. Insurance companies can set premiums differently based on:

• Your age

• Your ZIP code

• Whether you smoke

• When you enroll

That’s why it’s important to compare not just the plan letter, but also the insurer’s rates and reputation.

What to Look for When Comparing Plans

1. Check your doctor’s participation. Make sure your providers accept Medicare assignment.

2. Estimate your medical needs. If you visit the doctor often, higher coverage might save you more in the long run.

3. Review premiums and copays together. Sometimes a lower monthly premium costs more overall if you use care frequently.

4. Look for financial stability. Choose insurers with solid ratings and reliable customer service.

Making the Comparison Simple

Choosing a Medigap plan doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The main goal is to protect yourself from unexpected bills while keeping premiums affordable.

Think of Medigap like a safety net:

• The stronger the net (more coverage), the higher the cost.

• The lighter the net (less coverage), the more you might pay if something happens.

For most people, Plans G and N strike the best balance between coverage and cost. But the “right” choice is always the one that fits your personal situation.