What are the top 5 Medicare supplement plans?

1. Plan G

Plan G is often considered one of the strongest Medicare Supplement options for people newly eligible for Medicare. It covers many Original Medicare cost gaps, but it does not pay the Medicare Part B deductible.

Medicare explains that Medigap plans are standardized in most states. That means Plan G has the same basic benefits no matter which insurance company sells it, although premiums can vary.

The “best” Medigap plan is usually the one that balances predictable coverage with a premium you can afford long term.

2. Plan N

Plan N is popular for people who want strong coverage but may accept some cost sharing in exchange for a lower premium. It usually requires you to pay the Part B deductible, certain office visit copays, emergency room copays, and any Part B excess charges where allowed.

Plan N may be a good fit for someone who sees doctors regularly but is comfortable with modest out-of-pocket costs.

The tradeoff is simple: lower premiums may come with more responsibility at the point of care.

3. High-Deductible Plan G

High-deductible Plan G can appeal to people who want Medigap protection but prefer a lower monthly premium. In 2026, Medicare lists the high-deductible amount for Plans F and G as $2,950 before the policy begins paying.

This plan is not for everyone. You need enough savings to handle the deductible if you have a year with significant medical costs.

It can work best for people who are healthy, budget carefully, and understand the risk.

4. Plan K

Plan K has lower monthly premiums than many fuller-coverage Medigap options, but it pays only a percentage of several covered costs until you reach the yearly out-of-pocket limit.

Medicare notes that for Plans K and L, after you meet the yearly out-of-pocket limit and the Part B deductible, the plan pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the year.

Plan K may suit people who want some protection against very high costs but do not want a high premium.

5. Plan L

Plan L is similar to Plan K but generally covers a higher percentage of certain benefits before the yearly out-of-pocket limit. It can be a middle-ground option for people who want cost protection but do not need the broadest possible coverage.

Like Plan K, Plan L requires close attention to out-of-pocket exposure.

It may be attractive when premiums are meaningfully lower than Plan G or Plan N in your area.

What About Plan F?

Plan F used to be one of the most comprehensive Medigap plans because it covered the Part B deductible. But it is no longer available to people who became newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.

If you were eligible before that date, Plan F or high-deductible Plan F may still be available.

For newer Medicare beneficiaries, Plan G is often the closest comparable option.

Why Premiums Still Matter

Because Medigap benefits are standardized by letter in most states, price becomes a major comparison point. Medicare says price can be the only difference between policies with the same letter sold by different companies.

You should compare premiums, rate increase history, household discounts, customer service, underwriting rules, and availability in your ZIP code.

Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin use different Medigap standardization rules.

Medigap Does Not Cover Everything

Medigap helps pay certain Original Medicare costs. It generally does not cover prescription drugs, long-term custodial care, routine dental, routine vision, hearing aids, or private-duty nursing.

Many people pair Original Medicare plus Medigap with a separate Part D prescription drug plan.

Do not confuse Medigap with Medicare Advantage. They work differently and cannot usually be used together.

Practical Takeaway

The top five Medicare Supplement options for many shoppers are Plan G, Plan N, high-deductible Plan G, Plan K, and Plan L. Plan F may also be important if you were Medicare-eligible before 2020.

Before enrolling, compare plans on Medicare.gov, check your state’s insurance department resources, and speak with a licensed Medicare counselor or agent who can explain local prices and rules.