How do I know if a Medigap policy is right for me, and what's the best time to buy one?

Question

William Kravit · Accepted Answer

A Medigap policy is right for you for a number of reasons:

1.  You are in the younger market like age 65 and that gives you a low premium.
2.  You're health is not great, many doc visits, maybe a few chronic conditions requiring on going services.
3.  Medigap policies follow Medicare's lead, and Medicare patients are treated everywhere.  In other words, Medigap clients don't hear "no" when or if they want to go to a specialist locally or anywhere in the country.

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

When someone asks me this.... I remind them of the famous saying, "you get what you pay for". With Medigap plans, there are many to choose from. The only one that I recommend to people is the Plan G... which replaced Plan F in 2020, as the most comprehensive plan on the market. Other Medigap plans are less expensive, but there's a reason for that. Be VERY careful when a broker suggests Plan N or anything other than Plan G. The best time to purchase a MediGap plan is right when your Part B becomes effective. When you do that, there is no underwriting, and you enjoy the best pricing.

Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer on May 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve and Sue Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

Norman Smith · Answer

A Medigap plan that adds a G Plan to your Part A and B, is the best you can get. Timing is best when there is an Open Enrollment and no Underwriting involved. Open Enrollment is each year from 10/15 through 12/7. 
Why is this the best plan? It allows you to have control of your health care with no referrals, no Co-Insurance, no Co-pay, and simply your premiums plus a $257 Part B deductible. Then no more Medical bills for the year! MA plans sound nice until you realize you can’t see YOUR Doctor or surgeon or even hospital of choice! You are controlled by the system!

Now, people don’t recognize that Medicare has been in a constant flux, and they will continue to cut the plans and push more responsibility and financial expense back to the public. There was an “I” plan, then a “J” plan, and then an “F” plan, and now the “G”. And each time the benefits have lessened. So get the G plans while you can!

Lt Col Tim Brown · Answer

By using someone who has experience in the business to explain the pro's and con's of the plan, how it works. Medigap is the name Medicare calls it. It is actually a Medicare Supplement Plan. The best time to buy one is when your in your enrollment period for Medicare. If you already have a supplement plan, you can change those plans anytime of the year you like as long as you can qualify.

Answered by Lt Col Tim Brown on April 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, AL, CO & 10 other states

Answered by Lt Col Tim Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Larry Dalton · Answer

This question cannot be answered without knowing all your circumstances, but there are just as many different answers to this question as there are agents in the field, as to why you should or should not. Again, a trustworthy agent can explain this in detail.

Answered by Larry Dalton on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK & TX

Answered by Larry Dalton Medicare Insurance Agent

George Ibanez · Answer

All Medicare supplement plans are federally regulated and should be the same in your state, no matter what carrier you select; however, the pricing is not the same from company to company, and your plan letter selection is also very important, and the timing is also important.

If you need help finding the best plan for you, call me

George.
Contact me.

Charise Karjala · Answer

I use an algorithm to determine if the Medicare supplement policy is appropriate for my given client.

If you’d like additional assistance with this reliable method of determining whether a Medicare supplemental policy appropriate, please contact me. Charise Karjala

Shelly Hefley · Answer

This is when an agent sitting down with you is important.  I familiarize myself with your specific situation, this helps give you the best advice for which type of plan is best for you.

Jacqueline Proffit · Answer

That's a very important question, as Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) is a long-term decision. The right time to buy is critical because it affects your ability to get coverage.

Nick Mangini · Answer

A Medigap plan is always right for everyone on Medicare, regardless of age or health. The reason why is that if you get a Medicare Supplement at 65 or when you first become eligible for Medicare A&B, then you are not subject to passing underwriting health questions. This way, the Medigap carrier cannot deny you coverage. Once you miss this opportunity, you may be denied the coverage later on, and you will be stuck on a Medicare Advantage plan, which is terrible coverage. Contact us.

Answered by Nick Mangini on April 13, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 32 other states

Answered by Nick Mangini Medicare Insurance Agent

Melonie Wood · Answer

A Medigap policy might be a good fit for you if you want to reduce your out-of-pocket costs for Original Medicare. The best time to buy one is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which is the six-month period starting on the first day of the month you turn 65 and enroll in Part B.

Answered by Melonie Wood on April 21, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL & AL

Answered by Melonie Wood Medicare Insurance Agent

Richard Moreno · Answer

The best time to get a medical policy is within 6 months of when you enroll in part b. Knowing if it is best for you to get depends on your health condition. Once the 6 month window has past. You are not a guaranteed issue beneficiary. You are gaurunteed to enroll without any underwriting regardless of your health condition. After the 6 months you can be denied or graded up to higher premium If accepted.

Answered by Richard Moreno on August 31, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, CA, FL, LA, NM & OH

Answered by Richard Moreno Medicare Insurance Agent

Andrew Firmin · Answer

How do you know if a Medigap, or Medicare supplement plan, policy is right for you? Well, there's a number of things you need to consider here.

One, what is your financial condition? What are your financial needs? What does your retirement savings and retirement picture look like? What are your health care and health coverage needs? Those all factor into which direction you should go.

And if you go with a Medicare supplement plan, which plan? Type? There are a couple of ways that you can get some assistance with this. You may find some resources with a local senior center or Council on Aging. You can talk directly with an insurance company. You can research on your own. Medicare.gov has a lot of great information out there. And you can also seek the assistance of a professional. An independent Medicare planning advisor can help you determine what are the most suitable options for your coverage in your financial needs.

Now, when is the right time to enroll in a Medicare supplement plan? This may depend on the state you live in. Most states guarantee issue Medicare supplement plans when you first go on Medicare Part B. What does that mean? That means the insurance company is not going to look at what your current or past health history is. If you don't get a Medicare supplement plan in most states later on in life, you may be subject to medical underwriting. Based on your current or past health conditions, the insurance company may charge you more money or may decide not to cover you at all.

So, the most appropriate time to get on a Medicare supplement plan is usually when you first go on Medicare, if that's the way you want to go. If you want one later in life, you should try to make that switch before your health needs dictate that, before you develop a critical illness, chronic injury, or predispose yourself to routine and frequent care.

Now, if you are on a Medicare Advantage plan, which terminates, that provides you with a guaranteed issue right into a Medicare supplement plan. So if you do have past or current health conditions and you want a Medicare supplement plan, that may be one of the few guaranteed issue rights for you if your state requires medical underwriting.

I hope that helps. Until next time, be healthy and be well.

Dutch VanHoesen · Answer

There really is no way to know for sure until you talk to a professional broker or agent. There is just so much information and thought that needs to go into a decision like this. Typically the best time to get into a Medigap plan is within 6 months of your Medicare Part B effective date. After that they will underwrite you and may deny you coverage based on your answers to medical questions.

Answered by Dutch VanHoesen on April 30, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Dutch VanHoesen Medicare Insurance Agent

David Bell · Answer

Due to the gaps in original Medicare A & B, it is important to have either a Medigap plan or Medicare Advantage. Is it right for you? Do some comparison of the options with an agent that knows both plans. Medigap is a better choice if you have current treatments like chemotherapy, need major surgery in the near future or if the Advantage plan options in your area are limited. Medigap also makes doctor choice much easier as there are no networks.  

Best time to buy one? When you are healthy. You get a "no questions asked" entry to any Medigap when you are first elegible for medicare, so that is the best time and the easiest time. In the future you have to answer elegiblilty questions and can be turned down for things like heart conditions, diabetes, cancer etc.... Medicare Advantage asks no health questions, but you are restricted to an annual open enrollment period (10/15-12/7 each year).

Richard Pagano · Answer

Medigap (a Medicare Supplement) is often a good fit if you want:

- Predictable costs: fewer surprise bills when you have tests, procedures, or hospital stays.
- Freedom to choose doctors: you can generally see any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare (no plan networks).
- Less hassle with referrals/prior authorizations than many Medicare Advantage plans.
- Travel flexibility: helpful if you travel often or live in more than one state.
- Peace of mind if your health changes: you’re less exposed to per-visit copays and plan changes.

Medigap may be less ideal if:

- You’re comfortable with networks and copays to keep monthly premiums lower, or
- You mainly want extra benefits like routine dental/vision (more common with Medicare Advantage).

Best time to buy one:
- The best time is your Medigap Open Enrollment Period: the 6 months that start when you’re 65+ and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window:

- You can buy any Medigap plan sold in your state with no health questions, and
- You can’t be charged more due to medical conditions.

After that window, you can still apply, but in many states you may face medical underwriting (possible higher premiums or denial), unless you qualify for a special guaranteed-issue right. 

Also, some states have a “birthday rule” (or similar annual window) that lets you switch Medigap plans around your birthday with reduced or no underwriting (rules vary by state).

Chris Connell · Answer

1- The best time to buy one is 6 months prior to 65th birthday. That is when Medigap/Supplement enrollment window opens (even before you have your Medicare card!) Cheapest at that point. 

2- Medigap is more the most comprehensive MEDICALLY. 
No Network. No Prior Authorization requirements. Fewer hassles. Doctors like it better.
BUT it costs more. AND Part D drug coverage has to be added separately. 
That can be cheap, or can be another expensive payment depending on your drugs. 

Medigap also does not include Dental/Vision/Hearing or any spending cards.
So it depends on your budget, your drugs, etc. Reach out to me and I can compare and point you in the right direction. I have over 500 Five Star  Reviews on Google :)

Steven Bleicher · Answer

As long as you interview a minimum of 2-3 experienced agents who should cover most of the very quirky rules of Medicare, you should sense a better choice. In addition, here are my own 3 main criteria in that choice:

A) Can you afford a monthly Medigap premium plus a smaller premium for a Part D(rug) plan?,
 
B) Do you have any health issues that need to be tended to?, 

C) What is your family's history for longevity?

Based on the Medicare rules, since you become Medicare-eligible on the first day of your 65th birthday month, that is the best time to purchase a Medigap. So, if your birthday is on November 27th, you are a part of Medicare on Nov. 1st, again of your 65th year. 

Once that has been established, you need to have acquired both Part A (IN-Patient) and also Part B (OUT-Patient), along with the Medigap + a "Stand-Alone" Prescription Drug Plan (PDP). You'll always have the right to make a correction during the fall Annual Open Enrollment period but frankly, it is rare for someone to switch from a Medigap to an Advantage plan, especially if you experience any potentially serious health issues. Please remember that a free Advantage plan (which is govt-subsidized) will always include a steep out-of-pocket deductible every year which is your responsibility. This deductible will likely be increased due to the global inflation every new calendar year.

James Stang · Answer

You need to go through a cost analysis with a licensed agent. That will help you understand the costs of the different types of Medicare coverage in relation to your health. The best time to buy is when you are in your Guarantee Issue period.

Answered by James Stang on July 9, 2025

Agent Licensed in OH

Answered by James Stang Medicare Insurance Agent

Chad Watkins · Answer

The difference between Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage plans. Many people think these things are the same, but they're actually quite different. A Medicare Advantage plan is typically either an HMO or a PPO type of plan where you have doctors and hospitals in network. They usually have a lower premium than Medicare supplements, and depending on where you're at, certain services may have a zero premium plan, which does not cost anything above and beyond what you would normally pay for just the Part B premium. Medicare Advantage plans typically do include prescription drugs. They do have a maximum out-of-pocket, referred to as MOOP, of $9,350, so that is your worst-case scenario. Even if something catastrophic were to happen, they will give you some coverage, usually for dental, vision, and hearing, but it's usually not comprehensive, more preventative, like checkups and cleanings. Sometimes they will offer a wider range to give you more comprehensive dental coverage.

Medicare Advantage plans are locked in for one year. You can only get the plans that are in your service area. With Medicare supplements, you will pay a higher premium, but you do get better coverage. You don't have to worry about networks; you can go to any doctor or hospital that you want. Medicare supplements do not include prescription drugs, so you probably also want to get a standalone prescription drug plan. Medicare supplements will also not give you anything towards dental, vision, and hearing, but again, you can get a standalone dental, vision, and hearing plan.

Medicare supplements can also be changed at any time throughout the year, unlike Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans, where you're locked in for the year and can't change it until the end of the year for a January 1st effective date. The first time you get a Medicare supplement, you will get a guaranteed issue, so you don't have to answer health questions. But after that, if you want to change to a different plan or a different carrier, you will need to go through health underwriting and answer health questions. There are no service areas that you have to worry about.

So if you have any other questions, please feel welcome to give me a call. I am licensed in every state and D.C.

Kelly Linster · Answer

Medigap plans are standardized benefits. Meaning whether you purchase company A or companies X,Y or Z they will all fill in the gaps of Medicare the exact same way.

Daintee Hurst Dietz · Answer

We always compare both types of coverage to fill in the gaps of traditional Medicare. Supplement plans offer more coverage typically but do have costs associated so we will discuss all of those aspects. Changes to supplement plans can be made throughout the year.

Answered by Daintee Hurst Dietz on October 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AZ & CA

Answered by Daintee Hurst Dietz Medicare Insurance Agent

Fred Manas · Answer

A Medigap policy (Medicare Supplement Insurance) is likely right for you if you have Original Medicare and want to cap your out-of-pocket healthcare expenses (like deductibles and co-payments) to avoid unexpected high medical bills. 
The absolute best time to buy a Medigap policy is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the first month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

A Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) policy can be a good choice if you want more predictable healthcare costs and the freedom to see any doctor who accepts Medicare. The best time to buy one is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts when you're 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this six-month period, you can buy any Medigap policy available in your state, even if you have pre-existing health conditions,

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on July 15, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Dean Chiapetto · Answer

If you are eligible for Medicare A & B you should contact a local broker who can guide you through the process. Your broker will explain the difference between a Medigap/Supplement and Medicare Advantage and once you decide which is best for you, your broker can help to guide you into the most cost efficient plan for you.

Answered by Dean Chiapetto on March 25, 2026

Broker Licensed in VA, MD, NC, TN & WV

Answered by Dean Chiapetto Medicare Insurance Agent

Todd Bostic · Answer

Sometimes it just depends on the person, their age, and their health. If a person is young goes to the doctor a lot, get one at 65. I would also say it depends on finances, because you can also get an Medicare Advantage that doesn't cost anything and get an Indemnity plan to go with it to cover your expenses should you have any like hospital, ambulance, and there are some that cover doctors. But it all depends on your finances if you are not healthy.

Answered by Todd Bostic on May 28, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AL, AZ & 12 other states

Answered by Todd Bostic Medicare Insurance Agent

Mike Henry · Answer

If it covers your needs and fits your budget. Plans G and N are the 2 most popular.  He k with your Dr as to who they might recommend also. Don’t forget to get  a Part D for your meds need

Jaye Maxx Alexander II · Answer

To choose the proper Medigap policy for you your agent and or broker should meet with you on an annual or semi annual basis. The best time to purchase a Medi Gap policy is when you are turning 65 or if you live in a state with a birthday rule.

Answered by Jaye Maxx Alexander II on September 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, AK, AL & 47 other states

Answered by Jaye Maxx Alexander II Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Kim · Answer

The best way to find out is to talk to me. I'm a Medicare Insurance Broker, and I will help you understand why or why not a Medigap aka Medicare Supplement Plan might be right for you. The best time to get a Medicare Supplement Plan is when you first get your Medicare Card.

Answered by Michael Kim on May 18, 2026

Agent Licensed in NV, AR, AZ & 18 other states

Answered by Michael Kim Medicare Insurance Agent

Don Hansford · Answer

Great question and a perfect scenario of why a good, qualified Broker is so valuable. They would be able to determine if a Med Supp is your best option. 
Usually, affordability is going to be the driver for most people, as the premiums continue to rise. But in my opinion, you can never go wrong with a Supplement as long as you can afford the premiums.
The best time to enroll is when you first become eligible for Medicare, as you are guaranteed coverage with no health questions and your premiums will be the lowest they will ever be.

Brent Mowery · Answer

If you consult with a knowledgeable licensed agent, they can advise you regarding your coverage. The best time to buy a Medicare Supplement is when you are in "Open Enrollment" with Medicare. During this 7 month period, you will not have to Medically qualify or answer any health questions. After your "Open Enrollment" ends, you can change your coverage if you can medically qualify.

Answered by Brent Mowery on November 17, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK, CO, NC & TX

Answered by Brent Mowery Medicare Insurance Agent

William Scott · Answer

Most people that purchase Medigap policies purchase them based on on their comfort level and desire to not be bothered by costs when they visit their primary doctor or if they travel a lot, prefer the convenience of knowing they can see any doctor that’s accepts Medicare in the country. 

Paying one flat fee per month is all they wish to deal with during their busy lives.

The best time to purchase a Medigap policy is when you become eligible. If you wait to purchase it outside your eligibility, you’re just adding extra unnecessary costs to your budget.

Jerry Cohen · Answer

All Medicare supplements have been standardized by the Federal government meaning that for a given letter of the alphabet all insures must provide exactly the same benefits. For most people the choice is pretty simple... if they want the benefits given in a specific letter of the alphabet it probably makes the most sense to select the plan with the lowest cost.

Answered by Jerry Cohen on May 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in NY

Answered by Jerry Cohen Medicare Insurance Agent

Robert Nunn · Answer

The best time is when you turn 65, because you automatically qualify without any health questions being asked. Remember, if you do not like Medigap policies, you can always opt for a MAPD; however, without exceptional circumstances, you cannot switch to a Medigap plan without undergoing underwriting. Be happy to assist

Answered by Robert Nunn on August 28, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 36 other states

Answered by Robert Nunn Medicare Insurance Agent

Kim Mitchell-Hargis · Answer

If you can afford the monthly payment, a Medigap plan is the route I would recommend. When you turn 65 is the best rates and guaranteed issue when aging in. If you’re younger than 65 and not on Medicare, it’s quite expensive.

Answered by Kim Mitchell-Hargis on May 17, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, FL & KY

Answered by Kim Mitchell-Hargis Medicare Insurance Agent

Humara Riaz · Answer

Do you have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)?
	•	Medigap only works with Original Medicare, not with Medicare Advantage plans.

2. Do you want help paying out-of-pocket costs?
	•	Medigap helps cover:
	•	Deductibles
	•	Copayments
	•	Coinsurance
	•	Foreign travel emergencies (some plans)

3. Do you want to see any doctor that accepts Medicare?
	•	Unlike many Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap lets you visit any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare—no network restrictions.

4. Do you travel often within the U.S. or abroad?
	•	Medigap is a great fit if you want freedom and flexibility, especially while travel
During Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period:
	•	Starts the first month you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B.

Dionisio Guillermo · Answer

Medigap is right for you if you frequently travel and can go to any doctor of your choice! There is an open enrollment for Medigap or Medicare Supplement plans

Anthony Scott · Answer

Contact a Medicare broker directly impose this question to him. If they tell you that a certain plan is the plan for you without telling you why or without doing a needs analysis hang up the phone and find another broker. A good broker will take the time to find out what your situation is as far as your needs, what you’re looking for what is your financial situation. By doing a complete needs analysis there will be better able to determine which plan is actually better for you. as for what is the best time to buy a Medigap plan, it’s when you first become eligible for Medicare however, again, a financial/needs analysis should always be done by the broker.

Answered by Anthony Scott on August 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA

Answered by Anthony Scott Medicare Insurance Agent

Jon Harkness · Answer

Medigap policies offers three things: 1) Peace of mind, 2) Accessibility, and 3) Zero Hassle.

These three things come at a higher premium that a Medicare Advantage Plan which is a bit more budget friendly for those living on a fixed income.

Unlike Part D plans or Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C), you can apply for a supplement plan anytime of the year! The only time that offers guaranteed acceptance is the 7-month period of turning 65 (3 months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and 3 months after your birthday month). If outside this timeframe, you may be required to go through underwriting in order to be accepted on a Medigap plan.

How do I know if a Medigap policy is right for me, and what's the best time to buy one?

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How do I know if a Medigap policy is right for me, and what's the best time to buy one?

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