What is Medicare Supplement Insurance?

Medicare Supplement Insurance is additional coverage beyond traditional Medicare. Also known as "Medigap", these plans cover some or all of the expenses that aren't covered by your basic Medicare benefits.

Why do I need Medicare Supplement Insurance?

Original Medicare only covers 80% of most medical expenses. The remaining 20% can get extremely costly, especially if you have a long hospitalization or a condition that requires specialized treatment. Medicare supplemental plans can ease the financial burden, kicking in where Medicare stops and reducing your out-of-pocket costs.

Is it expensive to get Medigap coverage?

That depends entirely on the plan you select. Will you choose a high-deductible plan with lower premiums, or is it worth it to you to pay more in premiums to pay nothing when you have a medical expense? It also is heavily influenced by your particular situation: where you live, if you're a smoker, male vs. female, your age, and so forth. For Plan G coverage (the most popular of the Medicare supplemental plans), expect monthly premiums in the $110 - $160 range.

What are some of the biggest differences among the different plans?

It can be confusing at first, partly because they're all identified by letter names (for example Plan A, Plan B, and so on) - and they're often mistaken for the similarly-named components of Medicare itself (Part A, Part C, and more). Again, the main differences relate to the trade-off between deductible amounts and premiums: pay more upfront to spend less later, or vice-versa. Plan benefits are standardized, however, so whether you choose a Plan M with one insurer or another, your coverage is the same.

How should I know which provider or service to use to get started with a plan?

While your coverage is the same regardless of which provider you use, premiums vary. It's a good idea to speak with a few companies, or with a broker that can give you quotes from several insurers to compare. Also, each company offers a different package of "extras" to complement your Medigap coverage. Some services will keep an eye on your premiums and let you know if you're going to experience a significant increase - and they'll even recommend a new insurer if they find one that's better suited to your needs.

Will the premiums change from year to year?

Unfortunately, yes. Just like any other form or insurance (such as auto, medical, homeowner's), your Medicare supplement insurance premiums may change. Insurers may lock in your rate for a year or two, but you should be prepared for an increase in the future. There are a few providers who have a strong track record for keeping increases infrequent and small.

Can I get Medicare Supplement Insurance if I'm on disability?

That depends. While some states require Medigap plans to be available for disabled individuals under the age of 65 (the age that standard Medicare eligibility starts), there's no corresponding federal law. And, many states that permit Medigap coverage for the disabled also have restrictions that don't apply for the 65-and-up plans. You should speak to a Medicare Supplement Plan advisor to learn about the options in your state of residence.

Is Medicare Supplement Insurance legitimate?

Not only is it legitimate, it's an important component of many seniors' healthcare benefits and financial planning. Of course, you should be careful to choose a reputable provider and work with an agent or referral service that takes the time to understand your needs and explain all of the available options. There's a limited window of opportunity to sign up for a Medigap plan without having to submit medical reports, so it is recommended that you begin doing your research well before your 65th birthday.

Best Medicare Supplement Plans for February 2026

Item: The Best Medicare Supplement Plans - Summary Reviews
Rating: 5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Saturday, February 7th We evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.

2026 Medicare Supplement Plan Reviews

Which Medicare Supplement Plan is the Best? If you or a family member is approaching the age of 65, or if you are soon eligible for Medicare Parts A and B due to other qualifying reasons, now is the perfect time to start looking at additional coverage options for your Medicare. While Medicare insurance covers many of your medical expenses, it doesn't cover everything. To help pick up the extra slack, you can dive into a Medicare Supplement plan, often referred to as "Medigap".

5.0

EXCELLENT

Best Option

United Medicare Advisors

Quoted prices from $136 to $138.40 /month
Broker model with tons of insurance options
Quick communication

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EXCELLENT

5.0

On the United Medicare Advisors website

United Medicare Advisors, established in 2009, stands out as a top choice for Medicare Supplement Plans. With resources including detailed guides and informative blogs, the website educates users about various Medicare options. The company simplifies the plan selection process through a user-friendly online form or direct phone calls, and their representatives provide personalized attention to connect you with low-cost plans, earning United Medicare Advisors an "A+" rating from the BBB and over 20,000 5-star reviews. With ongoing support and competitive pricing, it's recognized as the best overall service for Medicare Supplement Plans.

4.5

GREAT

Great

Go Medigap (eHealth)

Quoted prices from $170 to $185/month
Coverage in all 50 states
Helpful online resources

Read Full Review

GREAT

4.5

On the Go Medigap (eHealth) website

Operating since 2005, the company known as GoMedigap (now part of eHealth) w orks under the name eHealth, though it is the same site. The company offers a comprehensive range of Medicare Supplement Plans, serving over 35,000 seniors nationwide. While the slower quote process and potential hidden fees are concerns, the impressive user reviews and reputation of the company make up for those concerns completely. eHealth's Rate Watch feature, proactive monitoring of premiums, and ethical practices contribute to its "A+" rating from the BBB and numerous 5-star reviews, earning it a trustworthy rating.

4.0

VERY GOOD

Very Good

Medicare Plans

Quoted prices: $146.39 /month + $240 annual deductible.
Broker for insurance
Coverage in 50 states

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VERY GOOD

4.0

On the Medicare Plans website

Medicare Plans, operating under the LendingTree financial company, offers Medicare Supplement Plans through a well-designed website. The quoting process was simple and quick. We got a call within seconds of submitting our details. While the rates are about average and we only got one insurance company's quote, the "A+" rating and positive experience make up for mid-tier pricing. With these factors in mind, Medicare Plans receives a strong rating in this review.

3.5

GOOD

Good

Aetna

Quoted prices from $122.62 - $142.92 / month + annual deductible of $198
Sells its own insurance
Guaranteed rates for 12 months

Read Full Review

GOOD

3.5

On the Aetna website

Aetna, with over 160 years of insurance experience, is a reliable choice for Medicare Supplement Plans. The company offers next-day coverage initiation for Plan G, stands out for transparent online quotes, and provides competitive premiums. However, detailed plan information is lacking online, requiring a call for accurate pricing information. Aetna serves 21 states, and its customer service is available 7 days a week. While the pricing is competitive, some transparency issues and customer complaints impact the overall rating. Still, they remain a competitive option overall.

3.4

GOOD

Good

SelectQuote Senior

Quoted prices from $175+/month
Broker model with tons of insurance options
Helpful online resources

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GOOD

3.4

On the SelectQuote Senior website

SelectQuote Senior provides access to over 20 insurance providers for Medicare Supplement Plans. With partnerships with reputable insurers and about 8 plans in most states, SelectQuote Senior offers a user-friendly website with helpful tips and resources. But, the quote process can be very time-consuming, especially if you wait for a call. So with that and the higher than average prices in mind, SelectQuote Senior earns a good-but-not-great rating from us.

2.5

FAIR

Fair

Humana

Quoted prices around $161.45/month + $226 annual deductible
Sells only its own insurance
Coverage in 49 states

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FAIR

2.5

On the Humana website

Humana, a dedicated Medicare coverage provider, offers a user-friendly online enrollment process with various plan options for customers across 49 states. However, the online application can be confusing, and the website's busy interface may overwhelm users with unnecessary information. While the quoting process is generally straightforward, the premiums are higher than average and we have some concerns from industry feedback and customer complaints.

2.4

FAIR

Fair

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Quoted prices around $185.98 - $263.14
Online quotes available
Only sells its own insurance

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FAIR

2.4

On the Blue Cross Blue Shield website

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) offers Medicare Supplement Plans through a dedicated website. While the website is informative, obtaining an accurate quote is faster by calling a representative. BCBS has mid-tier pricing options, quoting around $137.66/month for Plan G coverage in WI as an example. The site addresses customer concerns with helpful blogs, but BBB ratings vary by state, with some locations receiving low scores (like an "F" rating - Yikes!). BCBS is a reliable company in general with detailed information, but with some cons like slow quotes, it earns a below-average rating as a Medicare Supplement Plan provider.

1.5

WEAK

Weak

Cigna

Quoted prices around $136.25 /month
Online quotes available
Only sells its own insurance

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WEAK

1.5

On the Cigna website

Cigna, with over 30 years of experience, may not live up to expectations for Medicare Supplement Plans. The website lacks detailed information, and coverage is limited with sometimes only 1 plan available in a state. The online quote process is challenging, with frustrating forms, and the quotes lack important details. Cigna's poor ratings, dropping from an "A+" to an "NR," and customer complaints about reaching representatives and technical issues, position it as a company you might want to avoid. Only its online quote program keeps it from being at the bottom of the pack.

1.0

POOR

Poor

GoHealth

Broker model
Coverage in all 50 states
Helpful online resources

Read Full Review

POOR

1.0

On the GoHealth website

GoHealth has been a Medicare marketplace since 2016. While the website provides helpful resources, the experience with representatives is unsettling, resembling an AI interaction. Even phone calls feel robotic, and representatives wouldn't go off the "script" for even a few sentences to answer our questions. This made it challenging to obtain a quote. Despite an "A+" BBB rating and positive reviews, the communication hurdles and disconnected calls result in a disappointing rating, making GoHealth a service we'd avoid when shopping for Medicare Supplement Plans.

0.9

POOR

Poor

HealthCare

Comparison service
Prices based on other companies
Broker model

Read Full Review

POOR

0.9

On the HealthCare website

HealthCare is one of the worst options we've seen for Medicare Supplement Plans. Functioning as a comparison service, they don't offer post-purchase support, making it impossible to get solid pricing. The process involves sharing your details, granting permission for contact not just from partner companies but also seemingly unrelated businesses, and raising concerns about unwanted communication. With no transparency on who handles your coverage and an alarming "F" rating on the BBB, coupled with privacy issues and a low average rating, HealthCare is not a trustworthy choice. We recommend exploring other Medicare Supplement Plan providers for a more reassuring experience.

Continued from above...

Which Medicare Supplement Plan is the Best?

If you or a family member is approaching the age of 65, or if you are soon eligible for Medicare Parts A and B due to other qualifying reasons, now is the perfect time to start looking at additional coverage options for your Medicare. While Medicare insurance covers many of your medical expenses, it doesn't cover everything. To help pick up the extra slack, you can dive into a Medicare Supplement plan, often referred to as "Medigap".

These plans work to address the gap between the 80% of medical concerns covered by Medicare and the remaining 20% that isn't covered. This way, you can reduce your out-of-pocket medical expenses and feel safer and more comfortable with your coverage.

The Medicare Supplement Plans are assigned letter names to differentiate them, which can sometimes lead to confusion. With an ever-evolving landscape of plans and their coverage, keeping up with changes like swapping Plan F (once a popular choice but was discontinued for new enrollees after January 1, 2020) with its successor, Plan G, (which offers similar benefits but introduced an annual deductible) can be extremely confusing. Paying attention to the changes in the market will help you make a more informed decision about your healthcare coverage and help you recognize what coverage you need and what you don't.

One thing to keep in mind as you plan for your Medicare journey is the "guaranteed issue period". This is a period that spans the six months following your 65th birthday. During this period, you can get a Medicare Supplement Plan without any prerequisites beyond paying your premiums.

For example, this means that while health conditions won't disqualify you, being a smoker might result in higher premiums. However, once this six-month grace period concludes, insurers may request more detailed health information, such as your history of diabetes or heart conditions that may potentially impact your premiums and change what plans are available to you.

When it comes to purchasing a Medicare Supplement Plan, you have two primary options: buying directly from an insurance company or getting your plan through the services of a broker. Going with an insurance company means you might be able to continue using a company you already trust, which may be appealing due to lower rates or trustworthy insurance adjusters. On the other hand, if you choose to go with a broker, the company gives you access to a range of insurance providers, so you can compare rates and plans side by side, including the rates offered by your preferred insurance company.

Regardless of whether you choose to work with a broker or purchase directly from an insurance company, the most important thing about choosing a Medicare Supplement Plan is that you need to do your research. While you can initially explore various providers' websites, keep in mind that Medicare rules dictate plans must be sold either in person or over the phone, so you should be prepared to talk with a representative to finalize your Medicare Supplement Plan.

If you're not sure where to start with your Medicare Supplement Plan, we've put together a few things that might help you narrow down your options:

Cost. When it comes to the cost of Medicare Supplement Plans, your health and your pre-existing conditions may change the costs depending on which company you choose. To manage costs effectively, you'll want to compare companies to find the most budget-friendly options. However, keep in mind rates can also change over time.
Coverage. There are tons of different plans and different names to choose from. As you look through Medicare Supplement Plans, make sure that you spend your time researching providers that offer coverage in your state. Given the time-consuming nature of this process, you may not want to have a phone call with a company that turns out not to have competitive plans or prices in your state.
Reputation. To get a smooth and stress-free experience, it is recommended to select a reputable company. Whether you go through an insurance company directly or a broker, checking reviews and the Better Business Bureau ratings can provide valuable insights into the company's track record so you can pick one that really cares about its clients.

To help you stress less about your Medicare plans, Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best Medicare Supplement Plans available today. This way, you can save both time and money in your search. All you need to worry about is finding the best provider using our handy list and detailed reviews and getting back to enjoying your golden years stress-free!