Is paying for a high-end Medicare Supplement plan really worth it, or is it overkill?

Question

Dorothy Lam · Accepted Answer

The answer depends on your specific situation. In general, Medicare pays for approximately 80% of your medical expenses, not including deductibles. The high-end Medicare Supplement plans pick up nearly all of the remaining 20% (in the case of the Plan G, you pay one small deductible.) Depending on the procedures or extent of care, this could still be a large financial liability. So, each person must decide if the premium for these plans is worth the potential risk of incurring even this portion of any medical bills. For many of my clients, paying this premium gives them the peace of mind that those bills will be covered, if and when they need them, even if they don't need a lot of care at this time. To balance out this premium cost, Medicare Supplement plans give you the freedom to go to any Medicare provider in the whole nation. If you reside in a different state for several months out of the year, Medicare Supplement plans suite well. The flexibility and peace of mind of Medicare Supplement plans may be worth the premium cost.

Answered by Dorothy Lam on April 3, 2025

Agent Licensed in IL, IA & IN

Answered by Dorothy Lam Medicare Insurance Agent

Larry Dalton · Answer

Medicare supplemental plans might become significantly more expensive as you age, especially with an insurance carrier categorizing you into age brackets instead of community or state groupings.

As for whether having additional coverage is overkill, it's likely to depend on the type of care you envision needing in the future. Medicare Advantage plans are tied to specific PPO and HMO networks and ZIP codes, which may limit the services available to you unless you secure prior approval. This means your experiences will largely hinge on the community you live in, your zip code, the doctors in your network, not to mention any travel plans you may have.  The insurance company controls these types of plans, and Medicare controls Medicare supplement plans.

I currently have a Medicare supplemental plan, but I foresee that I might need to transition to a Medicare Advantage plan as I age and become less active. The beautiful thing is that you can always go to a Medicare Advantage plan anytime, but you must pass underwriting conditions to qualify to go back to a Medicare supplement plan later.

Norman Smith · Answer

It is absolutely worth it!
Numerous reasons, starting with who gets control of your health. If you want the freedom of choosing your doctor, specialist, hospital, etc. AND you want a plan that assures you coverage anywhere within the United States wherever you go, then it is the right plan. MA plans limit you to THEIR NETWORKS. And don’t travel where you do as they are probably not in network if you get even 2 counties out from your home. Plus having to get referrals for all your specialties is an MA piece as well.
Did you know that your BEST Medical Facilities, such as John’s Hopkins, Moffett, Mayo, Cleveland Clinic, etc. don’t accept MA plans? 
Plus the doctor who accepts MA today, won’t necessarily accept it next year.
So while you have the opportunity to get the best coverage you can WITHOUT UNDERWRITING involvement, why wouldn’t you?

Brian Moore · Answer

I believe buying the best Medicare Supplement plan available is the smart move. It costs more upfront, but the lower financial exposure and stronger benefits outweigh the savings from cheaper plans with weaker coverage. Most clients I’ve guided find the trade-off worth it when they need serious care. You’re not overpaying—you’re securing peace of mind.

Answered by Brian Moore on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Brian Moore Medicare Insurance Agent

Misty Bolt · Answer

IT DEPENDS ON EACH SITUATION. I NEED A LIST OF MEDICINE AND DOCTORS BEFORE WE CAN ANSWER THAT. BECAUSE EVERY SITUATION IS DIFFERENT.

Mark Maliwauki · Answer

It all depends on your needs and financial situation. Med Supps definitely have a place in the Medicare plan space and you need to consider all plans available so you choose the best option for you.

Joseph Bachmeier · Answer

That depends on what you want to get out of your Medicare plan. Some people don't mind paying a higher premium with little to no copays. Some people would rather have a lower monthly premium and don't mind the copays associated with the plan. I review all aspects with my clients so they can make the best decision for themselves.

Answered by Joseph Bachmeier on March 25, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA, AZ, DE & 5 other states

Answered by Joseph Bachmeier Medicare Insurance Agent

Darlene Murphy · Answer

Yes, it can and is worth it, if you like managing your own HealthCare. It may cost more, but it gives you more options too.

Tammera Marrs · Answer

It depends on the individual's situation. Some clients prefer to have peace of mind knowing what their annual out of pocket costs are. Others do not want to spend what it costs for a high-end Medicare Supplement and prefer to assume they are healthy enough to not need major health care services.

Answered by Tammera Marrs on May 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in KS

Answered by Tammera Marrs Medicare Insurance Agent

John Stagner · Answer

It really comes down to personal preference and your budget. 

It's worth it if you can afford it, and if you place a high value on being able to go wherever you want without worrying about networks. Also, with a supplement, the insurance company doesn't make decisions like approvals & denials. Their job is to write a check.

A Medicare Advantage plan, simply put, works more like the insurance you had through an employer. There are networks, and there are prior authorizations.

Maybe this is a dumb analogy, but is a Lexus considered overkill vs a cheaper vehicle? That depends on how you want the ride to go, and whether you have the budget.

Shawn Brown · Answer

Yes, if having the best possible access to care is important to you. Otherwise, you'll be subject to doctor/hospital networks, copays, coinsurance, high annual max out of pocket cost and likely referrals.

Answered by Shawn Brown on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, CO & 7 other states

Answered by Shawn Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Marie Terhune · Answer

Paying for high end supplement is worth it, in certain situations and is over kill in others! Talk with an agent to do an analysis of what is best for you!

Edward Givens · Answer

Great question—and one I hear all the time.

Suppose you’re looking at Medicare Supplement plans (also called Medigap). In that case, you’ve probably noticed that plans like Plan G (and the legacy Plan F, if you were eligible for Medicare before 2020) come with some pretty impressive coverage… and a higher price tag. So the real question becomes:

Is it worth the money?

Let’s break it down.

According to the 2025 Medicare & You guide, high-end Medigap plans help pay for almost all the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover—like the 20% coinsurance for doctor visits, hospital stays, and skilled nursing.

Plan F covers everything, including the Medicare Part B deductible. But it’s only available to people who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.

Plan G is the next best thing—it covers everything except the annual Part B deductible (which is $257 in 2025).

High-Deductible versions of Plan F or G are available too. These plans have a lower monthly premium, but you have to pay the first $2,870 out of pocket in 2025 before the plan starts covering your costs.

Here’s who it’s worth it for:

You want predictable costs and maximum peace of mind.

You see doctors often, expect surgeries or specialist care, or just want to avoid surprise bills.

You can afford the premiums and don’t want to worry about “what if” scenarios.

If you want the "set it and forget it" option—no guessing, no worrying—then yes, a high-end Medigap plan like Plan G is absolutely worth it. You’ll pay a bit more each month, but you’ll have rock-solid coverage and very few surprise expenses.

But if you’re healthy, budget-conscious, and okay with a little financial exposure? There are other Medigap options that may fit your needs better.

Still not sure what’s right for you? That’s what I’m here for.

Let’s talk through your options and figure out the best plan for your life, not just your wallet.

Sandra Bailey · Answer

All Medicare Supplement plans pay the same 20% that original Medicare doesn’t pay. They all have the same annual deductible. 

The only difference in plans is one may offer an additional benefit or gym membership etc that another plan may not offer. Find out if anything unique is included in the high-end plan before purchasing.

Brady Kidwell · Answer

my personal opinion Medicare supplement plans are great plans. But I do not think they’re worth it. I always tell my clients if they can afford them get them. But just know that your premiums are gonna go up every one to two years. No I do not think it’s an overkill if my clients can afford them.

Answered by Brady Kidwell on June 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, FL, GA & KY, NC, SC & VA

Answered by Brady Kidwell Medicare Insurance Agent

Sarah Rollins · Answer

I don't think you can answer this with a one-size-fits-all approach. Everyone has different needs with Medicare. Some people rarely see the doctor, while others are high consumers of medical services. There are certain situations when a client has certain medical or lifestyle conditions that prompts me to recommend a Medicare Supplement over a Medicare Advantage plan. However, that doesn't mean they wouldn't get good coverage in a Medicare Advantage plan. So to answer the question - if a Medicare Supplement plan is going to suit your unique needs better, then it would be worth it.

Answered by Sarah Rollins on June 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in CO, AZ, CA, ME, SC & TN

Answered by Sarah Rollins Medicare Insurance Agent

Tai Thao · Answer

Depend on your budget. If you are retired and money is of no issue, you want a plan that has no network, love to travel, and abilities to see any doctor

Steven Bleicher · Answer

This answer comes down to your crystal ball. If you maintain good health throughout your lifetime, then the Supplement may have been overkill. But if you and your family history of longevity is unfavorable, the Supplement would have been well worth it.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve Houchens · Answer

It depends on your personal needs and what you can afford. Some people feel more comfortable with a higher end plan and others may rather save the money. Much like some people prefer a luxury car while others like an economy car, both with get you to your destination. It’s a personal choice.

Answered by Steve Houchens on April 2, 2025

Agent Licensed in KY & TN

Answered by Steve Houchens Medicare Insurance Agent

Leslie Helene Sussman · Answer

Medicare Supplement plans all have premiums based on age/zip code.    Each year you could see an increase in premiums.   Medicare Supplement plans will aways increase as you get older unfortunately.  The last couple years the increases have been greater than ever before.

If you are someone that has medical concerns, sees many specialists, in the hospital several times a year it may be worth the monthly premium to keep your plan.

If your monthly premium is getting to be too much to afford along with other expenses, food, housing and other necessities - review with a local broker your plan choices.

There is a trial right period those on Medicare Supplement can switch to Medicare Advantage for the first time for 12 month period.    After 12 months if you decide you want to go back on your Medicare Supplement plan you may be able too.
See page 78 in your Medicare and You Handbook 2025.  Reach out to a local Medicare Broker with additional questions.

DeeDee Whitlock · Answer

In my opinion as long as you stay healthy you can go without a Medicare supplement! BUT in case you EVER have anything serious medically you will not be any better covered than you will be with Medicare & Supplemental plan

Answered by DeeDee Whitlock on April 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in LA

Answered by DeeDee Whitlock Medicare Insurance Agent

Walt Smith · Answer

Medicare supplement with plan G is an excellent plan and is the best plan you could buy right now. The premium is reasonable and it covers everything that Medicare approves except for a calendar of deductible of roughly $240.

Answered by Walt Smith on April 28, 2025

Agent Licensed in NJ, PA & VA

Answered by Walt Smith Medicare Insurance Agent

Marcie Barnes · Answer

Medicare Supplement plans can be useful based on lifestyle and health needs.  They're a more basic type coverage with no extra benefits like a Medicare Advantage plan has.

It's really just a matter of choice and needs.

Mike Henry · Answer

Depends on what other benefits you have in place. If you have other coverage it could be too much. I’d have to have more information

Suzanne Lamperti · Answer

That depends on your medical needs and your financial means to pay the higher rate. Sit down with someone and discuss your options.

Robert Simm · Answer

That would be dependent on the coverage of what you might be receiving on a high-end Medicare supplemental plan, but in my professional opinion it would be overkill the reason why. Once these supplemental plans came to Market, the states quickly decided that they should have a standardized coverage so if you purchase a plan G from UHC it's the same plan G as a Physician's Mutual. The coverage is identical, the only difference is a premium.

Answered by Robert Simm on April 9, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, AL, AR & 15 other states

Answered by Robert Simm Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Kim · Answer

It is worth it for those who have many health issues who need to be able to see specialist without having to in a network, or paying copays.

Or for the person who travels alot and wants the flexibility to be able to see doctors in all 50 states without being in a network.

So it all depends on the person and their personal needs and wants.

Melanie Blackston · Answer

Medicare supplement plans like Plan G, offer more comprehensive coverage. It can include coverage for Part B excess charges and possibly lower premiums compared to traditional plans. Med Supp plans have higher premiums and increase annually with your age.

Answered by Melanie Blackston on June 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in SC, GA & NC

Answered by Melanie Blackston Medicare Insurance Agent

Mitchell Nunn · Answer

Whether or not to pay a premium for a medicare supplement is based on each person’s unique situation. There are many benefits to having a medicare supplement like network freedom, extensive coverage, and up front known costs versus the question mark that some other coverages provide when it comes to costs that will be incurred.

Answered by Mitchell Nunn on June 9, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, MA & NC

Answered by Mitchell Nunn Medicare Insurance Agent

Debra Weber · Answer

That in my experience is a safety net if you have any health issues. I have heard from many clients of how it covers all of their bills with no out of pocket except for the premium when they went into the hospital. I feel that is a personal decision that needs to fit the individuals needs and price point. With advantage plans you have co-pays and deductibles. With a supplemental you know exactly what your expenses are.

Answered by Debra Weber on March 31, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, DE, FL & 5 other states

Answered by Debra Weber Medicare Insurance Agent

Alaina Hunt · Answer

Whether a high-end Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan is "worth it" really depends on your health needs, risk tolerance, and financial situation. If you value peace of mind, simplicity, and budget stability, a high-end Medigap plan like Plan G is often worth it.

If you’re healthy, cost-conscious, and comfortable with some risk, a lower-tier Medigap plan or even a Medicare Advantage plan might serve you just as well. Let's chat to see what may work best for you and your needs!

Robin Earley · Answer

The coverage you choose should be based upon the amount of health care services that you require. Prescription drug coverage should be included in your decision making process.

Teresa Scott-Carano · Answer

Great Question! It depends upon your personal use of current/future healthcare and aversion to risk and or unknown costs. Most individuals work with a licensed agent to help them assess the multitude of factors that one should consider before deciding if a Supplemental plan is a good fit and if so which supplemental plan (for example G or L or N...) is best for them.

Answered by Teresa Scott-Carano on June 30, 2025

Agent Licensed in PA & OH

Answered by Teresa Scott-Carano Medicare Insurance Agent

Is paying for a high-end Medicare Supplement plan really worth it, or is it overkill?

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