How to Choose the Right Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan

08.22.2025 | Category: Medicare

Estimated Read Time: ~8.5 minutes

Expertly reviewed by: Dr. Manoj Pawar, MD, FAAP

Chief Medical Officer, Mutual of Omaha

Summary: Your choice of Medicare supplement insurance plan plays a significant role in the quality of health coverage you may receive. In this article, learn which factors to consider when choosing a Medicare supplement plan.

If you’re enrolled in Original Medicare and decide you’d like additional coverage from a Medicare supplement insurance plan, the vast array of plans can feel confusing or even daunting. However, selecting the right plan for your needs can help protect your health and your wallet.

Medicare supplement plans help cover out-of-pocket expenses that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not, such as copays, deductibles, and coinsurance. They typically have a steady and predictable monthly bill that you can factor consistently into your budget.

It’s important to note that Medicare supplement plans generally renew automatically for as long as you pay your premiums on time. This helps ensure you have continuous coverage, but it’s always a good idea to review your plan options annually to make sure it still meets your needs.

Medicare supplement insurance plans typically allow you to see any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare patients. This may include healthcare specialists that you already know and trust.

To choose the right coverage for you, it’s important to understand the basics about Medicare. We’ve collected everything you need to know about Medicare, so you can pick the plan that best fits your needs. Let’s walk you through the process of how to assess if a Medicare supplement plan may be right for you.

What is Medicare supplement insurance?

Medicare Supplement Insurance plans add to Original Medicare, helping cover deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare Parts A and B don’t.

The federal government has standardized all Medicare supplement plans. This means that plans with the same letter designation (e.g., Plan G or Plan F) must provide the same basic benefits, regardless of the private insurance provider you purchase your plan from. In Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin, Medicare supplement plans are standardized in a different way.

Why choose a Medicare supplement plan

Choosing a Medicare supplement plan can bring some peace of mind if you value predictable healthcare costs and the freedom to choose your own doctors. Original Medicare alone leaves you responsible for 20% coinsurance on most outpatient services, which can add up quickly. Medicare supplement plans help limit these expenses, offering some protection from large, unexpected bills.

Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare supplement plans don’t have provider networks or network restrictions. With a Medicare supplement plan, you don’t need a referral from a primary care physician. You have the freedom to see any healthcare provider nationwide who accepts Medicare, without worrying about network restrictions.

If nationwide coverage matters to you—say, you spend time in multiple states or want access to specialists wherever you go—the ability to choose your own providers can be an important advantage.

Understanding Medicare supplement plans (A-N)

Each type of supplemental Medicare plan varies in terms of coverage and costs. In most states, Medicare supplement plans are simplified into classes A–N. This classification makes it easier to compare several supplemental Medicare plan options and select one that best fits your needs. While the basic benefits of each type of Medicare supplement insurance plan are uniform by carrier, premiums can vary between insurance companies.

Note: In addition to your Medicare supplement plan, you may choose to purchase additional coverage, such as a prescription drug plan (Part D) and dental and vision coverage, to help meet your specific needs. You may also want to consider Medicare Advantage (Part C), which is an alternative to Original Medicare Parts A and B. It replaces Original Medicare, though you must be enrolled in Original Medicare first before joining a Medicare Advantage plan. You cannot be enrolled in both Medicare Advantage and a Medicare supplement plan.

The table below outlines the most common types of Medicare supplement plans and explains what each plan offers¹:

Plans	How it works	Typically for individuals who prefer
Plan A	Offers the most basic coverage and helps cover Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital charges, Part B coinsurance or copayment, and the first three pints of blood for medical treatments. However, it does not cover skilled nursing facility coinsurance, the Part A deductible, the Part B deductible, Part B excess costs, or foreign travel emergencies².	Basic coverage Paying out-of-pocket expenses as they go
Plan B	Helps cover the Medicare Part A deductible, reducing hospital out-of-pocket payments. This plan covers more than Plan A. However, it does not cover services like skilled nursing facility coinsurance, the Part B deductible, excess charges, or foreign travel emergencies.	Basic coverage Lower monthly premiums Paying out-of-pocket expenses as they go – including skilled nursing facility care coinsurance, the Part B deductible, Part B excess charges, and foreign travel emergencies
Plan C	Includes coverage for the Part A and Part B deductibles. Additionally, Plan C helps cover generally 80% of foreign travel emergencies.	Please note that this plan is only available to people who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Plan D	Provides additional coverage, including coverage of the Part A deductible and associated coinsurance and hospital costs. It does not cover the Part B deductible or any Part B excess charges, however. Plan D helps cover 80% of foreign travel emergencies	More coverage Paying for the Part B deductible and any Part B excess charges out of pocket Foreign travel emergency coverage (covered at 80%)
Plan F	Provides the broadest coverage. It helps you pay the Medicare Part A deductible, coinsurance, and other costs incurred from Medicare Part A. It also helps pay the costs incurred from Medicare Part B, including the annual deductible. Plan F helps cover 80% of foreign travel emergencies.	Paying upfront Higher monthly premiums Fewer out-of-pocket costs Please note that Plan F is only available to those eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020
High-deductible Plan F	You must pay a yearly plan deductible before high-deductible Plan F starts paying benefits. After that, the plan provides the same level of benefits as Plan F to help you cover your remaining Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and other expenses. High Deductible Plan F also helps cover 80% of foreign travel emergencies.	Pay-as-you-go Low monthly premiums, even if it means there could be high out-of-pocket costs. Please note that high-deductible Plan F is only available to those eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Plan G	Helps you pay the Medicare Part A deductible, coinsurance, and other costs incurred from Medicare Part A. It also covers Part B coinsurance and excess charges, but not the Part B deductible. Plan G helps cover 80% of foreign travel emergencies.	Paying upfront Higher monthly premiums Fewer out-of-pocket expenses More coverage One of the most popular plans⁴
High-deductible Plan G	You must pay a yearly plan deductible before high deductible Plan G starts paying benefits. After that, the plan provides the same level of benefits as Plan G to help you cover many of your Medicare out-of-pocket costs. High Deductible Plan G also helps cover 80% of foreign travel emergencies.	Pay-as-you-go Low monthly premiums even if it means there could be high out-of-pocket costs
Plan M	Offers a unique benefit arrangement where 50% of the Part A deductible is covered. Plan M does not cover the Part B deductible or Part B excess charges, so you would be responsible for these costs. Additionally, Plan M helps cover 80% of foreign travel emergencies.	Sharing more out-of-pocket costs in exchange for a lower premium Paying for expenses as they arise Foreign travel emergency coverage
Plan N	Helps you pay the Medicare Part A deductible, coinsurance, and other costs incurred from Medicare Part A. Plan N has copays for Part B doctor and emergency room visits but covers Part B coinsurance beyond that. It does not cover the Part B deductible. Plan N also helps cover 80% of foreign travel emergencies.	Paying some upfront and some as you go A mix of monthly premiums and copays Occasional out-of-pocket-expenses One of the most popular plans.

Key differences

The various Medicare supplement plans differ mostly in the degree of coverage they offer. Generally, the more coverage a plan offers, the higher the monthly premium amount. If you choose a plan with broader coverage, you will typically pay more in premiums but have fewer out-of-pocket costs when you use services. Alternatively, if you choose a plan with limited benefits, your premiums will probably be lower, but you may have to pay more out-of-pocket.

Visit the Mutual of Omaha Advice Center for more information on how to select a Medicare plan that works best for you.

Factors that impact your decision

Before selecting a Medicare supplement insurance plan, you should consider several important criteria, such as your budget and healthcare requirements. Here are some factors to bear in mind:

Medical needs

Think about your present medical conditions and any treatments that you regularly require. If you need frequent medical attention or have chronic diseases, you may want to choose a plan that helps cover those needs.

Cost

Medicare supplement plans vary in monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. You can find a balance between the plan’s cost and its coverage. High-deductible plans offer low premiums, but you may have to pay more out of pocket. Medicare supplement policies typically have a steady, predictable bill. You pay a monthly premium in exchange for low or no additional out-of-pocket costs.

Service coverage

Various Medicare supplement policies cover different treatments to different extents. For instance, some plans cover foreign travel emergencies, while others exclude them. List the medical services you most value or may require and make sure the plan you choose addresses those needs.

Insurance companies

Private insurance companies offer Medicare supplement plans, and it’s advisable to read the fine print and compare the value that different insurers offer. Though the benefits are standardized, the quality of service can vary.

It’s always a good idea to speak to representatives of the insurance providers you’re considering. And, when assessing specific Medicare supplement insurance providers, research their longevity, read customer reviews, and get a sense of the brand’s reputation in the insurance space.

Questions to ask when considering a Medicare supplement plan comparison

Whether you’re switching Medicare supplement plans or shopping for the first time, there are a few things to consider.* This section covers questions that should provide clarity on much of what you should be aware of when shopping or switching plans.

How often do premiums increase, and by how much on average?
How long have you been a carrier of Medicare supplement plans?
What is included in the premium, and are there any additional fees?
What is your policy on switching plans within your company?
Are there any penalties or fees for switching plans?
How does medical underwriting work for these plans?
How do pre-existing conditions affect my premiums and Medicare coverage options?
Is there a waiting period before coverage for pre-existing conditions begins?
Can I get coverage for specific treatments or medications related to my pre-existing conditions?
What is the process for renewing my policy each year?
Are there any circumstances under which my policy might be canceled?
Will my Medicare supplement plan cover me if I travel or live part-time in another state? What if I move?
Does the plan cover emergency medical services while traveling abroad?

*Switching outside of the guaranteed issue period may require medical underwriting, which could lead to coverage being rated or denied

When to enroll in a Medicare supplement plan

The Medicare open enrollment period is the best time to sign up for a Medicare supplement plan. This six-month period starts the month you’re both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window, you have guaranteed issue rights, meaning insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums due to pre-existing conditions.

Missing the enrollment deadline doesn’t bar you from applying. However, insurers might apply medical underwriting, potentially increasing costs or resulting in your application being denied.

In some cases, like losing employer coverage or moving out of your Medicare Advantage plan’s service area, you may qualify for guaranteed issue rights outside your initial enrollment.

Applying for a Medicare supplement plan

Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying for a Medicare supplement plan.

Choose the coverage options and benefits you want most.

A good place to start is by listing your present medical expenses and needs. Then, add to the list any future medical expenses and needs that come to mind.

Compare plans

Review the different standardized Medicare supplement plans in your area⁵ or contact Medicare⁶ to understand what each plan covers. Consider factors such as coverage, benefits, and monthly premiums.

Research insurance companies

Choose a reputable insurance company that offers the Medicare supplement insurance plan you want. Go through the details of the policy and the plan before making a decision. Contact the health insurance companies you are interested in to get quotes for the Medicare supplement insurance policies you are considering. Compare these quotes to determine which plan offers the best value for your specific needs and budget.

Apply for your Medicare supplement policy

Once you’ve selected a plan, fill out an application with the insurance company. If your application is approved, you will receive confirmation of your elected coverage start date.

Taking the next step

Medicare supplement plans may not be for everyone, but they may be a good fit if you are looking for a steady, predictable bill you can budget for, and standardized coverage regardless of the carrier.

At Mutual of Omaha, we can help you get answers to common questions and have created the Mutual of Omaha Advice Center to provide a personalized recommendation for the Medicare solution that may best suit your needs.

Looking for even more information? We offer valuable resources and tools designed to empower you to understand your insurance options and make choices that work for you.

Get the plan that fits your life.

Want to know which Medicare plan is best for you?

Visit Our Medicare Advice Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch Medicare supplement plans after I enroll?

Yes, you can switch plans at any time, but outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, insurance companies may require medical underwriting if switching without guaranteed issue rights.

How do my health conditions affect my choice of Medicare supplement plan?

Your current health needs and potential future conditions should guide which plan you pick; if you need frequent medical care, plans with higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs may save you money overall. Consider plans that offer comprehensive coverage for the healthcare services you use frequently, or that cover costs associated with managing your specific health conditions. Another important thing to note: during the Medigap open enrollment period, you can be issued a plan without medical underwriting. This means that your application will not be denied based on pre-existing health conditions during this specific timeframe.

What are the costs involved in enrolling in a Medicare supplement plan?

You pay a monthly premium for your Medicare supplement insurance plan, which can vary based on the plan you choose, your location, and the insurance company. You may also have out-of-pocket costs, such as copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles, that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. The cost structures of these uncommon plan types are worth noting:

Plans F and G: These plans have high deductibles, meaning you pay certain costs upfront before your benefits start.
Plans K and L: With these plans, you pay a portion of your costs (either 50% or 75%) until you reach a limit, after which the rest is covered for the year.

It’s important to compare plans to find one that fits your healthcare needs and budget.

Expertly reviewed by: Dr. Manoj Pawar, MD, FAAP

Chief Medical Officer, Mutual of Omaha

Dr. Pawar brings over two decades of clinical and executive experience with a focus on preventive care, public health and empowering physicians and patients with the tools they need to live their best lives. Dr. Pawar completed his undergraduate degree at Northwestern University, his medical degree at McGill University in Montreal and his specialty training at the University of Colorado. He’s a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physician and a member of Delta Omega, the Public Health honor society.

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