With more than a dozen standardized Medigap options on the books, narrowing the field can feel overwhelming. If you have been asking what are the top 5 Medicare Supplement plans, you are not alone. Nearly 14 million Medicare beneficiaries carried a Medigap policy in 2025, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, and the vast majority clustered around just a handful of letter plans. Understanding which plans dominate the market, and why, puts you in a stronger position to pick the right coverage for your health and your wallet.
How Medicare Supplement Plans Work
Medicare Supplement plans, also called Medigap, are private insurance policies designed to fill the gaps Original Medicare leaves behind. Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) covers roughly 80 percent of approved medical costs. That remaining 20 percent, plus deductibles and coinsurance, becomes your responsibility unless you carry supplemental coverage.
The federal government standardizes Medigap plans by letter (A through N), so a Plan G from one insurer offers the exact same benefits as a Plan G from another. The only differences between carriers are premium price, financial stability, and customer service. This standardization makes comparison shopping far more straightforward than navigating the Medicare Advantage marketplace.
The Top 5 Medicare Supplement Plans
Based on enrollment data published by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and CMS reports, here are the five most popular Medigap plans in the United States. Each one addresses a different balance between monthly premium and out-of-pocket risk.
1. Medicare Supplement Plan G
Medicare Supplement Plan G has become the most popular Medigap policy sold to new enrollees. It covers virtually everything Plan F covers except the annual Part B deductible, which stands at $257 in 2026. Monthly premiums typically range from $120 to $250, depending on your age, zip code, and the carrier. Once you pay that single deductible, Plan G leaves you with zero out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-approved services.
2. Medicare Supplement Plan F
Medicare Plan F is the most comprehensive Medigap option available, covering 100 percent of all gaps in Original Medicare, including the Part B deductible. However, Plan F has been closed to new enrollees since January 1, 2020. Only those who became eligible for Medicare before that date can still purchase it. Average premiums run from $150 to $300 per month. Because the enrollment pool is aging without new members joining, premiums tend to increase faster than Plan G over time.
3. Medicare Supplement Plan N
Medicare Supplement Plan N is the leading budget-friendly option. It covers Part A coinsurance, the first three pints of blood, Part B coinsurance at 100 percent (with a small exception), and Part A hospice care coinsurance. You may owe up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that do not result in admission. Monthly premiums generally fall between $80 and $180, making Plan N attractive if you want solid coverage without the top-tier price tag.
4. Medicare Supplement Plan A
Plan A is the most basic Medigap policy. It covers Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Part B coinsurance, the first three pints of blood, and Part A hospice care coinsurance. It does not cover any deductibles, excess charges, or foreign travel emergencies. Because of its limited scope, Plan A carries the lowest premiums, often between $70 and $160 per month. It works for beneficiaries who want a safety net against catastrophic hospital stays without paying for broader gap coverage.
5. Medicare Supplement Plan C
Plan C mirrors Plan F in benefit design except that it does not cover Part B excess charges. Like Plan F, it was closed to new Medicare beneficiaries on January 1, 2020. Those who qualified before that cutoff date still have access. Premiums generally track close to Plan F, running $140 to $280 per month, and the enrollment pool faces the same aging dynamic that pushes premiums upward over time.
Comparing Coverage Side by Side
When you ask what are the top 5 Medicare Supplement plans, coverage differences often come down to just a few line items. Plans F and C cover the Part B deductible; Plans G, N, and A do not. Plans F and G cover Part B excess charges; Plans N, A, and C do not (or in the case of C, do not). Plan N introduces small copays at the point of service. Every plan on this list covers the Part A hospital coinsurance and 365 additional lifetime reserve days.
The practical takeaway: if you want zero surprises on any Medicare-approved claim, Plan G is the modern gold standard. If you want to trade a slightly lower premium for minor copays, Plan N delivers strong value. Plans F and C remain excellent for those grandfathered in, but rising premiums are a legitimate concern.
What Drives Premium Differences
Because Medigap benefits are standardized, the price tag depends on factors outside the benefit structure. Insurers use one of three pricing methods: community-rated (same premium regardless of age), issue-age-rated (premium based on age at purchase), and attained-age-rated (premium increases as you age). According to Medicare.gov, attained-age-rated plans start cheaper but cost more over time, while community-rated plans offer long-term predictability.
Geography also matters significantly. A Plan G policy in rural Texas may cost 30 to 40 percent less than the same Plan G in Miami or New York City. Tobacco use, household discounts, and payment method (annual vs. monthly) can shift premiums another 5 to 15 percent. Always collect quotes from at least three carriers before deciding.
When to Enroll for the Best Rates
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. During this six-month window, insurers must sell you any Medigap plan they offer at the best available rate, regardless of pre-existing conditions. Missing this window does not lock you out permanently, but carriers in most states can then use medical underwriting, potentially raising your premium or denying coverage.
A handful of states, including California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York, require guaranteed-issue rights year-round. Check your healthcare policy guide and your state insurance department website to understand the rules where you live.
How the Top 5 Plans Fit Different Budgets
Choosing among the top five is ultimately a budgeting decision. If predictability is your priority and you became eligible before 2020, Plan F eliminates every possible gap. For everyone else, Plan G offers nearly identical protection for a lower monthly premium plus one manageable deductible. Plan N suits those who visit the doctor infrequently and want to keep premiums as low as possible while retaining catastrophic coverage. Plans A and C serve niche needs: Plan A for minimalists, Plan C for pre-2020 enrollees who do not need excess-charge protection.
Consider your annual healthcare utilization. Someone managing a chronic condition with frequent specialist visits will almost certainly benefit from Plan G’s comprehensive coverage. A healthy 65-year-old who rarely sees a doctor beyond an annual wellness visit might find Plan N’s lower premium and modest copays a smarter allocation of retirement income. For a deeper comparison, review our guide on Medigap vs Medicare Advantage to see how supplemental plans stack up against bundled alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Medicare Supplement plan is most popular?
Plan G is the most popular Medigap plan among new enrollees. It covers all out-of-pocket costs except the annual Part B deductible ($257 in 2026), offering near-complete financial protection at a premium lower than Plan F. Industry data from AHIP confirms Plan G overtook Plan F in new sales after the 2020 enrollment cutoff.
Can I switch from one Medigap plan to another?
You can apply to switch plans at any time, but outside your initial Open Enrollment Period the insurer can use medical underwriting. Some states guarantee the right to switch to a plan of equal or lesser coverage without underwriting. Always compare quotes before switching, and time your application to ensure there is no gap in coverage.
Are Medicare Supplement premiums tax-deductible?
Medigap premiums may be deductible as a medical expense on your federal tax return if your total medical expenses exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income. Consult a tax professional to determine whether itemizing your deductions benefits you more than the standard deduction.
Do all states offer the same Medigap plans?
Most states follow the federal standardization of plans A through N. Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin use their own standardized plan structures. If you live in one of those three states, the letter designations do not apply, and you should review your state insurance department’s website for plan details.
Choosing Your Best Medicare Supplement Plan
Understanding what are the top 5 Medicare Supplement plans is the first step toward securing reliable healthcare coverage in retirement. Plan G leads the pack for good reason: broad coverage, competitive pricing, and long-term premium stability. Plans F and C remain strong choices for those grandfathered in, while Plans N and A cater to cost-conscious beneficiaries willing to accept modest trade-offs. Compare quotes from multiple insurers, enroll during your Open Enrollment Period whenever possible, and revisit your choice every few years to ensure your plan still aligns with your health needs and budget. For more on managing healthcare costs, explore our dedicated resource center.