What Is Medigap Insurance? A Simple Guide to Medicare Supplement Plans
- Justin Hundley
- Jul 22
- 3 min read
If you're on Original Medicare (Parts A and B), you might be wondering:"What about the costs Medicare doesn’t cover?"
That’s where Medigap insurance comes in. Also known as a Medicare Supplement plan, Medigap is designed to fill the “gaps” in Original Medicare—like deductibles, coinsurance, and copays—so you don’t get stuck with unexpected out-of-pocket bills.
In this guide, we’ll explain what Medigap insurance is, how it works, and how to know if it’s the right fit for you.

💡 What Is Medigap Insurance?
Medigap insurance, also called a Medicare Supplement plan, is private insurance that helps pay for costs that Original Medicare doesn’t fully cover.
This includes things like:
Part A & B deductibles
20% coinsurance for doctor visits and outpatient services
Hospital costs after Medicare’s coverage runs out
Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
Emergency care when traveling outside the U.S.
Medigap policies are sold by private insurance companies but are standardized by the federal government, meaning the coverage is the same no matter the carrier—the difference is the price and service.
🧾 How Does Medigap Work?
Let’s say you have:
Medicare Part A and B
A Medigap Plan G policy
When you go to the doctor:
Medicare pays 80% of approved costs
Medigap pays the remaining 20%
You pay little to nothing—depending on the plan
That’s why Medigap is great for those who want predictable medical costs and peace of mind.
📋 What Medigap Plans Are Available?
Medigap plans are labeled by letters: A, B, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N (yes, some letters are skipped).
Here’s a quick overview of the most popular:
Plan G – The most comprehensive plan for new enrollees; covers nearly everything except the Part B deductible
Plan N – Lower premiums than G; you pay small copays for doctor/ER visits
Plan A – Basic coverage, often used by those on a tight budget
💡 Note: Plan F is no longer available to people who became eligible for Medicare after Jan. 1, 2020.
🆚 Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage
They both help with costs, but they work very differently.
Feature | Medigap | Medicare Advantage |
Coverage | Supplements Original Medicare | Replaces Original Medicare |
Doctor Choice | Any doctor that accepts Medicare | Usually a network (HMO/PPO) |
Drug Coverage | Not included (add Part D separately) | Often included |
Travel Coverage | Often includes foreign emergency | Limited or none |
Referrals | Not required | Sometimes required |
✅ Medigap gives you more freedom and lower out-of-pocket risk✅ Medicare Advantage bundles benefits and extras (like dental/vision)
🤔 Is Medigap Insurance Right for You?
Medigap might be a great fit if you:
Want to see any doctor that accepts Medicare—no networks
Travel often, including internationally
Prefer predictable costs instead of surprise bills
Are okay buying a separate Part D prescription drug plan
👨⚕️ Who Can Enroll in Medigap?
To buy a Medigap plan, you must:
Be enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A & B)
Live in the plan’s service area
Apply during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (6 months after you turn 65 and enroll in Part B)
📌 Outside of that window, you may have to answer health questions—which is why timing matters!

🗣️ Let’s Make Medigap Easy
At Mountaineer Health and Life Insurance, we make Medicare simple and personal. We help people across West Virginia, Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Florida find the right Medigap plan at the right price—with zero pressure and free support.
📲 Let’s Chat About Medicare Supplement Plans
Need help comparing plans or enrolling in Medigap coverage? We’re here for you.
📞 Call or Text - 304-989-5809
📧 Email us - info@mountaineerhealthandlife.com
🌐 Request an appointment - Click Here!
💬 Or send us a message directly!
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