Paul Sanchez
Supplemental medical insurance, also known as Medigap, is extra insurance purchased from a private health insurance company to help pay for costs that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover. These costs include co-payments, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket expenses. Supplemental health insurance plans can also provide peace of mind and financial assistance in the event of an accident, injury, or critical illness, covering everyday expenses such as mortgage payments, groceries, and utility bills. When choosing a supplemental insurance plan, it is important to consider personal preferences, anticipated medical needs, state of residence, health history, and the range of benefits offered by different plans. Some popular Medigap plans include Plan G, Plan N, and Plan F, with companies like UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, and Aetna offering competitive rates and comprehensive coverage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Company | Aetna, UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, Mutual of Omaha |
| Plan choices | A, B, C, D, F, F+, G, G+, K, L, M, N |
| Member satisfaction | Low complaint rates |
| Affordable prices | Discounts for households, online applications, and premium discounts |
| Extra perks | Wellness discounts, accident plans, critical illness plans, hospital indemnity plans |
| Service area | All 50 US states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico |
| Other | Medical benefits for foreign travel |
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What You'll Learn
Medigap plans and what they cover
Medigap plans, also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance, are sold by private insurance companies but are regulated by states and the federal government. These plans are designed to help cover the out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), which typically amount to about 20% of covered Part B healthcare services. Medigap policies can also cover additional healthcare costs and some even provide coverage for services that Original Medicare doesn't, such as emergency medical care during foreign travel.
There are 10 federally approved Medigap plans, each identified by a letter: A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. The specific benefits offered by each plan vary, and not all plans are available in every state. When choosing a Medigap plan, it's important to consider your own healthcare needs and ensure that your preferred plan is available in your area.
Some Medigap plans offer more comprehensive coverage, such as Plans C, F, and G. These plans tend to have higher premiums but cover a larger portion of Medicare cost-sharing. Plan C and F even cover the annual Part B deductible, while Plan G does not. On the other hand, Plans D and N provide good coverage for lower premiums. Plan D covers most of the same services as Plans C, F, and G, but it does not cover Part B "excess" charges or the annual deductible.
When considering Medigap insurance, it's worth noting that Medicare Advantage plans do not allow supplemental insurance, despite having out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, Medigap plans sold after 2005 do not include prescription drug coverage, so you may need to enrol in a separate Medicare drug plan (Part D) for that.
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Supplemental insurance for travel
Travel medical insurance is a supplemental policy that helps protect you while travelling. It is only valid for the length of your trip and is meant to supplement your health insurance when you are out of network. It is important to note that many domestic health insurance policies are not accepted abroad, so purchasing travel insurance can be beneficial.
There are a variety of companies that offer travel insurance. Travelex, for example, provides the Best Medical Travel Insurance for 2025, with generous medical expense limits, a pre-existing conditions exclusion waiver, and the option to upgrade to additional medical coverage. Their Ultimate plan includes up to 100% of the insured trip cost for trip cancellation (maximum $50,000), up to $2,000 in coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen bags and personal items, and up to $250,000 in emergency medical and dental coverage.
Nationwide is another option for those who like to book spontaneous trips, as their policy can be purchased up to a day before departure. Their Prime Plan includes trip cancellation coverage of up to $30,000 of the trip cost, up to $2,000 for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage, and up to $150,000 for emergency medical and dental issues.
UnitedHealthcare Global's SafeTrip travel protection plans include medical coverage, trip cancellation, evacuation, and other coverage options. Their International Travel Medical Plus plan is a combination protection plan that includes travel medical insurance and travel protection, including trip cancellation.
IMG's Patriot Travel Series provides various levels of coverage for individuals, families, and groups who need temporary medical insurance while travelling for business or pleasure outside of their home country.
It is important to carefully review the terms of any insurance plan to ensure it meets your specific needs and provides coverage for your destination.
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Supplemental insurance for chronic conditions
Supplemental health insurance is a type of insurance that helps pay for treatments and services that standard health insurance plans may not cover. It can be especially useful for people with chronic conditions, who often have to deal with high out-of-pocket costs.
Since 2019, some Medicare Advantage plans have offered extra health-related benefits for those with chronic conditions, including coverage of over-the-counter medications, in-home support services, nutrition counselling, and transportation to medical appointments. These benefits are officially called special supplemental benefits for the chronically ill (SSBCI). Chronic condition special needs plans (C-SNPs) are a type of Medicare Advantage plan that offers specialized coverage for chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dementia, diabetes, end-stage renal disease, and heart disease. The availability of C-SNPs varies by location, so it is important to check with your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
Some supplemental health insurance plans cover specific services, such as cancer treatments. Others provide a lump-sum payout after a qualifying diagnosis, which can be used for medical treatments, household expenses, or childcare. It is important to note that supplemental health insurance coverage functions differently from primary health insurance, and the type of plan chosen will determine how it works. For example, some plans pay a set amount for certain treatments, while others cover a percentage of the costs.
When considering supplemental insurance for chronic conditions, it is important to review the plan's summary of benefits and coverage to understand what is included and excluded. Individuals have the right to appeal if a plan denies coverage, and insurance cannot be denied or dropped due to a pre-existing condition.
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Supplemental insurance for accidents
Supplemental accident insurance is designed to cover the out-of-pocket expenses that can arise after an accident or injury, which your major medical insurance may not cover. This includes costs such as ambulance care, physical therapy, emergency treatments, medical exams, transportation, and lodging. It can also help cover certain injuries, such as burns, lacerations, broken limbs, concussions, dislocations, and even paralysis.
Accident insurance is not a substitute for medical coverage but is purchased in addition to it. It is a good option for those who may not be able to afford unexpected out-of-pocket costs, or those with high-deductible health plans. Accident insurance policies vary in their benefits, but they generally pay a predetermined amount when the insured submits proof of medical treatment related to an accidental injury.
Some policies pay a lump sum, regardless of out-of-pocket costs, while others pay only the actual costs incurred, up to a predetermined limit. The benefit amount varies based on the level of coverage chosen. Accident insurance plans typically pay benefits directly to the insured, and there are no network restrictions, meaning you can access any hospital or physician.
Accident insurance can be a good way to protect yourself financially in the event of an accident or injury, and it can be paired with any type of health plan. It is worth noting that accident insurance does not cover every medical issue, and each policy will differ, so it is important to carefully review each plan and its exclusions.
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Supplemental insurance for critical illness
Supplemental critical illness insurance is an important form of coverage that can provide financial peace of mind and support in the event of a critical illness diagnosis. It is designed to be used in addition to major medical health coverage, providing extra funds to meet the demands that come with critical illness health emergencies.
Critical illnesses can happen to anyone at any time and can cause financial strain. A person may be unable to work, and medical bills and other unexpected expenses can quickly add up. While a medical health insurance plan may cover some healthcare costs, it often won't cover everything. This is where a critical illness plan can help.
Critical illness insurance plans provide a lump-sum cash benefit or monthly payments, depending on the plan chosen, to help cover expenses related to a qualifying serious illness. The benefits are typically paid directly to the policyholder, who can then use the money as they see fit. This can include paying for out-of-pocket medical costs, such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, as well as other living expenses like mortgage payments, childcare, and transportation.
When choosing a critical illness insurance plan, it is important to carefully review the details of the plan, as the critical conditions covered and the availability of plans can vary by state. It is also worth noting that most critical illness plans are medically underwritten and generally won't cover pre-existing conditions. Additionally, these plans typically impose upper age limits and won't issue policies to individuals above a certain age, usually between 60 and 70 years old.
Some companies offering critical illness insurance plans in the United States include UnitedHealthcare, Aflac, MetLife, and Anthem. These companies provide plans with varying benefit amounts and coverage options, allowing individuals to choose the plan that best suits their needs and provides added protection in times of critical illness.
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Frequently asked questions
Supplemental medical insurance, also known as Medigap, is extra insurance that helps pay for costs that original insurance plans do not cover. This includes co-payments, deductibles, and other everyday expenses.
Some providers of supplemental medical insurance include Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, and State Farm.
There are many variables to consider when choosing a supplemental insurance plan, including the plan type, the range of benefits offered, the availability of discounts, the price, and the consumer complaint rate.
The right Medigap plan for you depends on your personal preferences, how much medical care you expect to need, and your current coverage. It is important to consider your health history, state of residence, and any other relevant variables.
