The best Medicare Supplement is Plan G from AARP/UnitedHealthcare. It has cheap rates and great coverage.

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Best Medicare Supplement plans

Plan G is the best Medicare Supplement policy for most people because it pays for nearly all your health care costs not covered by Medicare. However, Plan G is also one of the more expensive plans, with an average price of $159 per month for 2025.

AARP/UnitedHealthcare is the best company overall for Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans because of its low rates and valuable extras.

What is the best Medicare Supplement plan?

Plan G is the best Medicare Supplement policy for most new Medicare enrollees.

Plan F offers the most coverage of any Medicare Supplement option. However, you can only buy it if you became eligible for Medicare before Jan. 1, 2020. Plus, Plan F often doesn't make sense because it has higher overall costs than Plan G, on average.

That's because Plan G has the same coverage as Plan F, except Plan G won't pay your $257 Medicare Part B deductible. Since Plan F costs an average of $480 per year more than Plan G, you often will spend more money than you'd save with Plan F.

Top picks

Other plans

Monthly cost$159$199$121
Part A coinsurance
Part B coinsurance
Blood transfer (3 pints)
Part A hospice care
Skilled nursing facility
Part A deductible
Part B deductible
Part B excess charges

Average costs are for a 65-year-old female nonsmoker. Rates vary by location, age, gender and other factors.

Top picks

Monthly cost$159$199$121
Part A coinsurance
Part B coinsurance
Blood transfer (3 pints)
Part A hospice care
Skilled nursing facility
Part A deductible
Part B deductible
Part B excess charges

Average costs are for a 65-year-old female nonsmoker. Rates vary by location, age, gender and other factors.

Other plans

Plan A
Plan B
Plan C
Plan D
Plan K
Plan L
Plan M
Monthly cost$151$196$221178$83$126143
Part A coinsurance
Part B coinsurance
50%75%
Blood (3 pints)
50%75%
Part A hospice care
50%75%
Skilled nursing facility
50%75%
Part A deductible
50%75%50%
Part B deductible
Part B excess charges
Foreign travel emergency80%80%80%

Average costs are for a 65-year-old female nonsmoker. Rates vary by location, age, gender and other factors.

= 100%

With Original Medicare (Parts A and B), you're responsible for paying roughly 20% of your hospital bills.

Medigap plans pay for some or all of that 20% depending on your plan letter. Without a Medigap plan, you could have to pay very high medical costs.

The best Medicare Supplement plan for you depends on your health and budget.

Plan G is good for people who want very few medical bills and are willing to pay more each month to avoid them. This can give you peace of mind because you won't be surprised by high medical costs. However, a cheaper Medicare Supplement plan may make better sense if you don't visit the doctor often.

Plans F and C have better coverage than Plan G, but you can't get them if you're a new enrollee. Plus, these plans might not save you money because of their high monthly rate.

It's important to remember that switching Medigap plans isn't easy. That's because companies can consider your health history when selling plans outside the six months around your 65th birthday, called the initial enrollment period. If you buy a plan with low coverage when you're 65 and later decide to upgrade to something better, such as Plan G, companies may quote you a high rate or deny you coverage entirely.

Plan G icon

Best Medigap plan for most people: Plan G

Plan G has the best coverage for most people.

Plan G will pay all your Medicare-related costs except for the $257 Medicare Part B deductible. After you pay this, Plan G will pay for medical care such as doctor visits, blood tests or outpatient medical treatment.

  • Popular plan that covers nearly all of your health costs
  • Often a better value than Plan F
  • Rates can be expensive, at $159 per month, on average
  • Cheaper plans may be a better deal if you rarely visit the doctor
Plan F icon

Best Medicare Supplement coverage: Plan F

Plan F has the best coverage of any Medigap plan overall.

But you can only buy Plan F if you were able to get Medicare before Jan. 1, 2020. Plan F covers all of your Medicare costs that you normally would pay for out of pocket, including deductibles, copays and coinsurance.

  • Has a full set of benefits that pays for nearly all medical costs
  • Plan F costs an average of $199 per month, making it one of the most expensive options
  • Not available to new Medicare enrollees
Plan N icon

Best affordable option with good coverage: Plan N

Plan N has similar coverage to Plan G but costs less.

Plan N is a budget-friendly option with coverage that's nearly as good as Plan G, but cheaper. The difference is, with Plan N, you have to pay $20 for doctor visits and $50 for trips to the emergency room. Plan N also doesn't cover what's called Medicare Part B excess charges.

  • Covers nearly all of the costs you're responsible for with Medicare
  • Plan N costs about $121 per month, which is $38 per month less than Plan G
  • Extra costs you're responsible for paying when you visit the doctor could cancel out savings
  • You may have extra fees if your doctor doesn't accept the prices set by Medicare
Plan G icon

Cheapest Medicare Supplement plan: High-deductible Plan G

High-deductible Plan G has the cheapest monthly rate of any Medigap policy.

A high-deductible Plan G policy costs just $49 per month, on average. The main downside to high-deductible Plan G is that before coverage starts, you have to pay $2,870 in medical costs, called a deductible.

A normal Plan G policy is cheaper than high-deductible Plan G coverage if you need a lot of medical care. Remember, companies can charge higher rates or deny coverage because of your health history if you change Medicare Supplement plans outside the six months around your 65th birthday. That means you may be stuck with a high-deductible Plan G when you're older and in worse health, costing you more in the long run.

  • Cheap rates, at $49 per month on average
  • Strong coverage after you've met your deductible
  • You have to pay $2,870 each year before coverage starts
  • Not the best deal if you need ongoing medical care
prescriptions icon

Neither Original Medicare nor a Medicare Supplement plan covers prescriptions. For that, you'll need a separate Medicare Part D plan.


Best Medicare Supplement companies

AARP/UnitedHealthcare is the best Medicare Supplement company overall because it has affordable rates and good customer satisfaction.

Medicare Supplement plans have the same medical benefits if they have the same letter, no matter which company you choose. This means that Medicare Supplement Plan G from AARP/UnitedHealthcare gives you the same health coverage as Aetna, Blue Cross or any other company. However, different companies have different rates, customer service and plan experiences.

Best overall Medicare Supplement company: AARP/UnitedHealthcare


AARP/UnitedHealthcare stands out for its good customer service, cheap rates and many Medigap plan options.

  • Cost of Plan G: $157/mo ?
  • Medigap plans offered: "A, B, C, D, F, G, High-deductible G, K, L and N

AARP/UnitedHealthcare (UHC) is one of the best Medicare Supplement companies. It offers strong customer service and affordable rates for many Medigap plans.

  • Discounts on vision, dental, hearing and gym memberships through AARP
  • Good customer service
  • Many Medigap plans available
  • Available everywhere
  • You have to join AARP, which costs about $16 per year
  • Customers complain about AARP's junk mail and aggressive marketing
  • No plans with extra benefits and few Select Plans

Best for flexible coverage: Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)


Blue Cross Blue Shield lets you switch Medigap plans without considering your health status through its Blue to Blue rule.

  • Cost of Plan G: $174/mo ?
  • Medigap plans offered: All plan letters, including high-deductible Plans F and G

Blue Cross Blue Shield lets you switch Medigap plans at any time without considering your health history. That means you can enroll in a low-cost plan when you're younger and need less coverage and then switch to a more expensive plan with better coverage when you're older.

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) offers many Medigap plans that come with extra benefits, such as free dental and vision coverage.

Plus, BCBS sells a range of cheap Medigap Select plans. These plans typically cost less than regular Medigap plans. However, Medigap Select plans restrict you to a network of doctors like an HMO.

  • Gives you the flexibility to change your coverage without extra costs
  • Many plan options, including Select and Innovative plan options
  • Available everywhere
  • Above average rates for Plan G
  • Cost and customer service depend on where you live

Best Medicare Supplement for customer service: Mutual of Omaha


Mutual of Omaha has cheap rates for basic coverage options like Plan N or high-deductible Plan G.

  • Cost of Plan G: $180/mo ?
  • Medigap plans offered: A, B, C, D, F, G, M, N, high-deductible F and high-deductible G

Mutual of Omaha stands out for good customer service, many plan options and its household discount of up to 12%.

  • Gets far fewer complaints than an average insurance company of the same size
  • Cheap Medigap Plans N and high-deductible G
  • Can get a discount just for living with another senior
  • Expensive average Plan G rates
  • Mutual of Omaha doesn't offer Medicare Part D. You'll have to get Part D from another company if you want prescription drug coverage

What are the worst Medicare Supplement companies?

The following companies have poor customer service for their Medigap plans. Each company on this list gets significantly more complaints than an average company its size. It's a good idea to choose a company that gets few complaints because you're less likely to run into problems when you file a claim.

Company
Plan G cost
Complaint rate
Allstate$1498.5 times more than average
Globe Life$2155.6 times more than average
Humana$1782.7 times more than average
Aflac$1391.5 times more than average

Average monthly cost of Plan G

Humana is good for other types of plans, such as workplace coverage or Medicare Advantage. But, the company's Medigap plans are expensive and have a high rate of complaints.

Allstate and Aflac may be cheap, but the savings aren't worth it because of their poor reputation for customer satisfaction.


How much does a Medicare Supplement plan cost?

Medicare Supplement plans cost $148 per month, on average, in 2025.

Medigap Plan G costs an average of $159 per month for a 65-year-old woman who doesn't smoke. These plans have the best coverage for new enrollees. A Medigap Plan G policy covers nearly all the costs you're normally responsible for with Medicare, except for the $257 per year Part B deductible.

Medigap Plan F costs $199 per month, on average, in 2025. Medigap Plan F usually doesn't make sense financially. That's because Plan G offers almost the same level of coverage, but at a much lower cost.

average cost of Medicare Supplement plans

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High deductible Plans F and G have the cheapest average monthly rates. A high-deductible Plan G costs only $49 per month, on average. However, that doesn't necessarily make it a good deal. That's because you have to pay $2,870 for medical care each year before coverage starts for either plan.

You're better off with a regular Plan G Medigap policy if you expect to consistently need a lot of medical care. A high-deductible Plan G policy might make sense if you're in good health and can easily afford to pay the $2,870 deductible from your savings.

Average cost of Medicare Supplement plans

Medigap plan
Monthly cost
F$199
G$159
N$121
Less popular plans
Show All Rows

Average rate for a 65-year-old woman who doesn't smoke

How much you pay is based on several factors, including:

  • The plan you choose
  • The company you choose
  • Where you live
  • Your age and gender (usually)
  • Discounts you qualify for
  • When you enrolled

Medicare Supplement plans in Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin

Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin have different Medicare Supplement plan letters.

These states have fewer Medigap options than the rest of the country. However, in all three states you can get coverage similar to Plan G.

In Massachusetts, you can choose between three different types of Medigap plans: Core, Supplement 1 and Supplement 1A. Supplement 1A is most similar to Medigap Plan G making it a good choice for most people because it offers the most coverage.

The average cost of a Supplement 1A plan is $211.

In Minnesota, the best Medicare Supplement choice for most people is the Basic plan.

This plan offers a similar level of coverage as Medigap Plan G. The Basic plan covers almost all the costs you're responsible for with Original Medicare (Parts A and B). However, you may be responsible for some preventive services not covered by Medicare.

The average cost of a Basic health plan is $234 per month.

The Extended Basic plan offers even more coverage. It pays for your Medicare Part A deductible, foreign travel emergencies, preventive services not covered by Medicare and extra costs you're responsible for if your doctor doesn't accept the price set by Medicare.

However, this plan is usually not a good choice because of its high cost.

In Wisconsin, there's only one Medigap plan available, called Base Medigap.

Wisconsin Medigap customers have a lot of choices when it comes to personalizing their Base Medigap plan. In other words, you can build your own Medigap plan by adding coverage extras to your policy.

Base plans need to cover certain benefits like your Part A (hospital care) coinsurance or copay, 175 days of mental health inpatient care and some of the costs you're responsible for paying with Part B (doctor visits). Remember, this is the minimum level of coverage you can get. Many companies let you modify your policy with coverage extras, usually at a higher cost.

A Base Medigap plan costs $163 per month, on average.

You can choose a Base plan option with a lower monthly rate, but you'll pay more when you visit the doctor.

  • High-deductible plans: You'll pay more before coverage starts.
  • 25% cost-sharing plans: You'll pay roughly 25% of your medical costs similar to Plan L.
  • 50% cost-sharing plans: You'll pay roughly 50% of your medical costs similar to Plan K.

How to choose the best Medicare Supplement plan

Choose a Medigap policy by comparing plan benefits and costs against the medical care you expect to need.

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Decide how much coverage you need

Medicare Supplement plans that offer more coverage tend to have higher average prices. Try to match your coverage with your specific medical needs. For example, it might not make sense to get a policy with excellent coverage like Plan G or F if you're in good health. Instead, you could save money by choosing a less expensive option like high-deductible Plan G.

However, if you have a disability or ongoing illness, you should choose a plan with better coverage like G, F or N. Even though these plans have higher average rates, you'll save money when you go to the hospital.

Keep in mind that it's difficult to change Medigap plans down the road. If you want the flexibility to easily switch from a low-cost plan to a plan with better coverage, Blue Cross Blue Shield is the best option.

Their Blue to Blue rule means you can switch Medigap plans at any time without paying a higher rate because of your age or health status.

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Compare companies to find the best combination of cost and quality

After choosing a plan, it's a good idea to compare the Medigap companies in your area. In particular, look at price and customer service. Remember, plans have the same coverage if they have the same letter. So a Plan G will have the same coverage regardless of whether you buy it from AARP/UnitedHealthcare or Blue Cross Blue Shield.

While the coverage is the same, plan costs can differ by hundreds of dollars a year. Keep in mind that the cheapest plan isn't always the best option. You don't want to pick a company that has poor customer service since that can lead to headaches down the road.

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Look for discounts and other ways to save

It's a good idea to check if you qualify for discounts before you pick a Medicare Supplement company. For example, many companies offer bundling discounts if you have more than one type of insurance through them.

Household discounts for married couples, civil partners and extended family members who live together, are another common way to save. Some companies even extend this discount to roommates.

Depending on where you live, you may also have the option to choose a low-cost Medicare Select plan. These policies have the same coverage as a regular Medigap plan, but they restrict you to a network of doctors like an HMO.

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Get in touch with a broker or buy directly through a Medicare Supplement company

You no longer need a broker to buy a Medigap policy. However, brokers can offer some advantages over a do-it-yourself approach since they often have a strong understanding of the plans and prices in your area. Remember that your Medigap costs depend in part on where you live, and plan availability varies by county.

You can also buy a Medicare Supplement plan directly from a company's website. This is the quickest route to getting a Medigap policy. It's typically a good choice if you feel confident that you've identified the right plan and company for you.


Are Medigap rates going up?

The cost of Medigap Plan G went up by 7%, on average, between 2024 and 2025.

That's an increase of $11 per month, with average rates rising from $148 per month in 2024 to $159 per month in 2025.

Nebraska had the largest average increase, at 13% year on year. The cost of a Medigap Plan G policy in NE rose from $133 to $150 per month, on average. Rates in New Mexico stayed flat, decreasing by $1 per month on average.

State
2024 rate
2025 rate
% change
AK$140$15812%
AL$132$1427%
AR$161$1727%
AZ$139$15410%
CA$168$1828%
Show All Rows

All figures are monthly rates for a 65-year-old woman who doesn't smoke.

Nationally, the cost of a Medicare Supplement plan, across all plan letters, rose by an average of 8% between 2024 and 2025.

Plan L prices increased the most, at an average of 13%, while High-Deductible Plan G increased the least, at 2%, on average.

Medicare Supplement plan cost increase between 2024 and 2025

Medigap plan
2024 cost
2025 cost
Annual increase
F$184$1998%
G$148$1597%
N$111$1219%
K$77$838%
Show All Rows

Average monthly rate for a 65-year-old woman who doesn't smoke

Frequently asked questions

Which Medicare Supplement plan and company is the best?

For most people, the best Medicare Supplement option is Medigap Plan G from AARP/UnitedHealthcare, which costs $157, on average. This plan covers nearly all of the costs that you're responsible for paying with Original Medicare. Plus, AARP/UnitedHealthcare has a good customer service reputation and affordable prices.

How much do Medicare Supplement plans usually cost?

A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan costs an average of $148 per month in 2025, across all options. The average cost of Plan G is $159 per month.

Rates differ based on factors such as age, location and plan letter.

What's the most popular Medicare Supplement plan?

Plan G accounts for nearly four in 10 of all Medigap plans sold, making it the most popular choice among all Medigap plan letters. Plan G is popular because it covers nearly all of your costs with Original Medicare.

What's the least expensive Medicare Supplement plan?

A high-deductible Plan G policy costs just $49 per month, on average. However, high-deductible plans only offer protection against major medical costs since you have to pay $2,870 before your coverage starts.


Methodology

Medicare Supplement policy details are based on info from Medicare.gov and insurance companies. Our expert recommendations are based on plan costs, customer reviews, financial strength ratings and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) index of complaints of Medicare Supplement customers for each company's largest subsidiary.

Costs are for a 65-year-old woman who doesn't smoke and doesn't qualify for a household discount. Rates are also based on the preferred pricing of initial enrollment when shoppers don't have to answer medical questions. Averages exclude Select plans and plans in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Massachusetts.

Medigap plan enrollment data came from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF).

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Invitations for application for insurance may be made through QW Insurance Solutions, LLC (“QWIS”), a separate subsidiary of QuoteWizard, LLC (“QuoteWizard”), a LendingTree subsidiary, or through its designated agents, only where licensed and appointed. QWIS is a non-government licensed health insurance agency and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. Find licensing information for QWIS.

Callers will be directed to a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Supplement insurance and/or Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations. Calls will be routed to a licensed insurance agent who can provide you with further information about the insurance plans offered by one or more nationally recognized insurance companies. Each of the organizations they represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal.

Availability of benefits and plans varies by carrier and location and may be limited to certain times of the year, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 73 organizations that offer 5,110 products in your area. Contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP), to get information on all of your options.

These numbers provided are not specific to your area, but rather represent the number of organizations and the number of products available on a national basis. We will connect you with licensed insurance agents who can provide information about the number of organizations they represent and the number of products they offer in your service area. Not all plans offer all of these benefits. Benefits may vary by carrier and location. Limitations and exclusions may apply.

Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed the information contained on this website.

Medicare supplement insurance is available to people age 65 or older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, and in some states to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or end stage renal disease.

Medicare Advantage and Part D plans and benefits are offered by these carriers: Aetna Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem Blue Cross, Aspire Health Plan, Cigna Healthcare, Dean Health Plan, Devoted Health, Florida Blue Medicare, GlobalHealth, Health Care Service Corporation, Healthy Blue, Humana, Molina Healthcare, Mutual of Omaha, Premera Blue Cross, Medica Central Health Plan, SCAN Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Simply, UnitedHealthcare, Wellcare and WellPoint.

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