Orlando Harmon
Medicare supplement insurance, also known as Medigap, is extra insurance that individuals can purchase from private health insurance companies to cover costs that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not. Medigap policies are automatically renewed yearly if the individual continues to pay their premium. There are 10 Medigap plans, each offering different benefits, and it is important to choose one that meets your needs and covers your residing state. While there is no average or estimated price for any Medigap plan, factors such as state, health condition, and insurance company can influence pricing. Some of the top Medicare Supplement Insurance companies for 2025 include AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, State Farm, Cigna, and Anthem, based on criteria such as plan types offered, discounts, complaint rates, and additional coverage options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Medicare Supplement Insurance companies | AARP / UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, State Farm, Cigna and Anthem |
| Factors considered for ratings | Plan types offered, discounts, complaint rates, premiums and additional coverage options |
| Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as | Medigap |
| Medigap is | Extra insurance to help pay for costs that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover |
| Medigap is automatically | Renewed yearly if the person continues to pay their premium |
| Medigap policies do not | Cover healthcare costs for a person's partner, so each person must buy a separate policy |
| Medigap plans | Come in 10 letter designations (A through D; F; G; and K through N) |
| Plan F is considered | Top-of-the-line Medigap policy |
| Plan G | Does not cover the Part B deductible |
| Plan D | Covers more than most Medigap plans, but does not cover excess charges |
| Plan M | Nearly identical to Plan D, but covers only half of the Medicare Part A deductible |
| Plans K and L | Cheaper than other Medigap policies |
| Best time to buy a policy | During your Medigap open enrollment period |
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What You'll Learn
Top-rated Medicare Supplement Insurance companies
Medicare supplement insurance, also known as Medigap, is extra insurance that individuals can purchase from private health insurance companies to help pay for costs that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover. Each supplement plan type offers different benefits, so it is important to choose a plan that meets one's needs and covers their residing state.
NerdWallet has identified the following as the five best Medicare Supplement Insurance companies for 2025: AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, State Farm, Cigna, and Anthem. These companies were selected based on plan types offered, discounts, complaint rates, premiums, and additional coverage options.
State Farm, for example, sells Medigap policies in most states and has low complaint rates from its members. Its prices can sometimes be very low, but they may also be higher in certain locations, and other competitors may offer more opportunities for discounts or added perks. State Farm offers plans A, C, D, F, G, and N, although some of these plans may only be available to customers who joined Medicare before a specific date or live in a particular state.
Cigna offers low prices and significant discounts, but it has a higher-than-average complaint rate and only offers a few plan types.
AARP/UnitedHealthcare has low complaint rates compared to most competitors, and it pays 100% of Part A coinsurance and up to 100% of Part B coinsurance. However, its plans have several variations with different prices, wellness extras, and/or network restrictions, which can make choosing a plan confusing.
It is always a good idea to shop around and compare multiple quotes from different companies or work with a licensed insurance agent or broker to find the best Medicare Supplement Insurance plan for your needs.
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What is Medigap?
Medicare supplement insurance, also known as Medigap, is extra insurance that individuals can purchase from private health insurance companies to help pay for costs that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover. Medigap policies are designed to assist with out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. These policies are available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and can vary in premiums and enrollment eligibility. It is important to note that Medigap is different from Medicare Advantage, which offers additional coverage to Original Medicare, whereas Medigap only helps pay for existing coverage.
There are 10 Medigap plans available, labelled A through N, each offering a different combination of benefits. These plans are sold and administered by private companies and are standardized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). However, not all standardized plans may be available in every area. The cost of Medigap policies, or premiums, can vary based on factors such as state, health condition, insurance company, and age. Community-rated Medigap policies charge a consistent monthly premium regardless of age, while issue-age-rated policies have varying premiums depending on the age of purchase, and attained age-rated policies result in higher premiums as one ages.
When choosing a Medigap plan, individuals should consider their specific needs and requirements. For example, those with chronic conditions may require additional care and should look for plans covering nursing care, in-home care, or online doctor access. Individuals who travel abroad frequently may benefit from plans that include emergency coverage overseas. Additionally, it is essential to evaluate the type of existing coverage one has and whether a Medigap plan adequately addresses their needs.
Some of the top-rated Medigap insurance companies, based on factors such as plan types, discounts, complaint rates, and premiums, include AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, State Farm, Cigna, and Anthem. These companies offer plans in most states and have competitive pricing and low complaint rates. However, it is always recommended to explore multiple options and compare quotes to find the best Medigap plan for one's specific needs.
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How to choose the right plan
Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as Medigap, is extra insurance you can buy from a private health insurance company to help pay for costs that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover. Each Medicare supplement plan type offers different benefits, so it's important to choose a plan that meets your specific needs. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the right Medicare Supplement Insurance plan:
Plan Types and Benefits
First, understand the different types of Medigap plans available, such as Plans A, C, D, F, G, and N. Each plan offers varying benefits, including coverage for emergency medical care when travelling outside the United States. Choose a plan that aligns with your specific health needs and requirements.
Location and Availability
Medigap plan availability and benefits can vary by state. Be sure to review the plans offered in your specific state of residence, as some plans may only be available in certain locations or to those who joined Medicare before a specific date.
Cost and Pricing
Medigap plans have different pricing structures, and the cost can depend on various factors such as your state, health condition, and insurance company. Compare prices from multiple insurance companies and consider the premiums, discounts, and any additional perks or restrictions associated with each plan.
Consumer Satisfaction and Complaints
Consider the reputation and reliability of the insurance company offering the Medigap plan. Research complaint rates and member satisfaction to gauge the quality of their services. Lower complaint rates and higher satisfaction rates can indicate a more positive experience with the plan and the company's responsiveness.
Additional Coverage Options
Review the specific coverage options offered by each Medigap plan. Consider your current health status and any potential future needs. For example, if you have chronic conditions, look for plans with more covered costs, such as nursing care or in-home care.
Personal Preferences
Finally, consider your personal preferences and priorities. Do you value straightforward coverage without additional perks, or would you prefer a plan with extras like wellness programs or discounts? Some plans offer access to fitness programs, dental, vision, and hearing programs, which may be attractive to some individuals.
Remember, it's always a good idea to shop around and compare multiple plans before making a decision. You can use Medicare's plan finder tool or contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get free, personalized counselling and find the best Medicare Supplement Insurance plan for your unique needs.
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When to buy a policy
Medicare supplement insurance, also known as Medigap, is extra insurance that individuals can purchase from private health insurance companies to cover expenses that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not. These expenses include copayments and coinsurance.
Medigap policies do not cover healthcare costs for a person's partner, so each person must purchase a separate policy. The best time to buy a Medigap policy is during your Medigap open enrollment period. Under federal law, you are entitled to a six-month Medigap open enrollment period that starts the first month you have Medicare Part B and are 65 or older. After this period, if you have any pre-existing conditions, you may not be able to purchase a Medigap policy, or it may be more expensive. Your Medigap open enrollment period is a one-time opportunity and does not repeat annually.
In Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York, insurers are required to issue Medigap policies at any time during the year. Maine has a one-month guaranteed issue period each year, during which insurers are only required to offer Medigap Plan A policies. Minnesota has passed legislation to institute annual guaranteed issue protections, which will come into effect on August 1, 2026.
If you choose to apply outside of your Medigap Open Enrollment period or a Guaranteed Issue period, you may be underwritten and not accepted into the plan. Outside of your initial enrollment period, you may have a guaranteed issue right if you joined a Medicare Advantage Plan when you first became eligible for Medicare and disenrolled within 12 months. When you have a guaranteed issue right, insurance companies must sell you a Medigap policy at the best available rate, regardless of your health status, and cannot deny you coverage or impose a waiting period for coverage of pre-existing conditions.
When deciding on a Medigap plan, it is important to consider your current coverage, if applicable. For example, a person who holds a veteran discount may need to receive care in a non-veteran affairs facility that their veteran insurance plan does not cover. Additionally, if you travel abroad regularly, you may wish to consider a plan that includes emergency coverage overseas.
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How to review Medicare companies
Medicare supplement 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. When reviewing Medicare companies, it is important to consider a variety of factors, as the market is vast and complicated.
Firstly, one should consider their own needs and requirements. Each Medicare supplement plan type offers different benefits, so it is crucial to choose a plan that meets your specific needs and covers your residing state. Variables such as health history, state benefits, and personal preferences should be taken into account.
Next, it is beneficial to review the costs and plan benefits offered by different companies. This includes monthly costs, premiums, and the availability and size of premium discounts. Some companies may offer competitive prices in certain locations or provide significant discounts, so it is worth comparing multiple quotes. Additionally, consider the range of plan types offered, as some companies provide more choices than others.
Customer satisfaction and complaint rates are also important indicators of a company's performance. Consider the frequency of complaints and whether the company effectively addresses customer needs. You can refer to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) database, which maintains records of complaints filed against insurance companies and creates an index to contextualize these complaints relative to market share expectations.
Finally, it is worth examining additional coverage options and perks. Some companies may offer access to online doctors, overseas emergency coverage, or additional health and wellness programs. These extras can enhance the overall value of the plan.
Remember, it is always a good idea to shop around and compare plans in your area. You can utilize tools like Medicare's plan finder tool or contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free, impartial advice and support in choosing the best Medicare Supplement Insurance plan for your needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Supplemental Medicare insurance, also known as Medigap, is extra insurance that can be purchased from a private health insurance company to help pay for costs that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) do not cover.
Some of the top-rated supplemental Medicare insurance companies include AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, State Farm, Cigna, and Anthem. These companies were rated highly based on plan types offered, discounts, complaint rates, premiums, and additional coverage options.
When choosing a supplemental Medicare insurance plan, it is important to consider your personal needs and preferences. Factors to consider include the range of benefits offered, premiums, complaint rates, availability of discounts, and additional coverage options. It is also essential to ensure that the plan covers your residing state, as benefits can vary by location.
