Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Cost Calculator 2026 – Plan Comparison
Compare Medicare Supplement plan costs, coverage, and benefits. Calculate Medigap premiums by age and zip code for 2026.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Cost Calculator 2026
Introduction
Original Medicare covers 80% of Part B costs—leaving you responsible for the 20% coinsurance with NO out-of-pocket maximum. A $100,000 hospital stay = $20,000 out-of-pocket. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans fill these gaps, making costs predictable.
The Medigap Cost Calculator helps you compare plan premiums, coverage levels, and total out-of-pocket estimates for 2026.
Medigap Plan Comparison
Most Popular Plans (2026)
| Benefit | Plan G | Plan N | Plan F* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A hospital coinsurance | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Part B coinsurance | ✅ (after deductible) | ⚠️ Up to $20 copay | ✅ |
| Part B deductible | ❌ ($257) | ❌ | ✅ |
| Part B excess charges | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Foreign travel emergency | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Typical Premium (age 65) | $125-$185 | $95-$145 | $200-$300 |
*Plan F closed to new Medicare beneficiaries after 1/1/2020
Plan G (Most Popular)
Coverage: Everything except Part B deductible ($257/year)
Best For: Most people—comprehensive coverage, competitive premiums
Annual Cost Example (age 65):
- Premium: $1,800/year
- Part B deductible: $257
- Total: ~$2,057 + prescription costs
Plan N (Budget Option)
Coverage: Same as G but with copays ($20 office, $50 ER)
Best For: Healthy individuals, infrequent medical use
Savings vs. Plan G: $300-$480/year in premiums Trade-Off: $20 copays add up if you see doctors frequently
High-Deductible Plan G
Coverage: Same as regular Plan G AFTER meeting $2,800 deductible (2026)
Premium: $40-$70/month (vs. $125-185 for standard Plan G)
Best For: Very healthy, willing to self-insure first $2,800
Premium Factors
Age
Premiums increase with age:
| Age | Plan G (typical) |
|---|---|
| 65 | $125-$165 |
| 70 | $145-$195 |
| 75 | $165-$225 |
| 80 | $190-$275 |
| 85 | $225-$350 |
Location
Same plan, different zip codes:
- Rural areas: Lower premiums
- Urban areas: 20-40% higher
- State regulations affect pricing
Rating Method
Community-Rated: Same premium regardless of age (BEST for long-term) Issue-Age Rated: Based on age when you buy (locked in) Attained-Age Rated: Increases every year (WORST long-term)
Health (Underwriting)
During Open Enrollment (6 months after Part B): Guaranteed issue, no health questions
After Open Enrollment: Medical underwriting may apply—pre-existing conditions can increase rates or cause denial
Tip: Enroll during guaranteed issue period to avoid underwriting.
Total Cost Analysis
Scenario 1: Healthy Senior
Plan N:
- Premium: $1,440/year
- Part B deductible: $257
- Office copays (12 visits × $20): $240
- Total: $1,937
Scenario 2: Frequent Doctor Visits
Plan G:
- Premium: $1,800
- Part B deductible: $257
- No copays
- Total: $2,057
Savings vs. Plan N: $120 (if \u003e20 doctor visits/year)
Scenario 3: Healthiest Option
High-Deductible Plan G:
- Premium: $600/year
- Part B deductible: $257
- Plan deductible: $2,800
- Total (if healthy): $857
- Total (if sick, meet deductible): $3,657
Risk: Must have $2,800+ liquid for worst-case
FAQ
Q: Do all Medigap plans cover the same things? A: Plans are standardized by letter. Plan G from Company A = Plan G from Company B in coverage, but premiums differ.
Q: Can I switch Medigap plans? A: Yes, but you may face underwriting (health questions) unless you qualify for guaranteed issue.
Q: Does Medigap cover prescriptions? A: No. You need separate Medicare Part D.
Q: What if I have Medicare Advantage? A: You cannot have both Medigap and Medicare Advantage. Must choose one.
Q: Are premiums tax-deductible? A: Yes, as medical expense if you itemize and exceed 7.5% AGI threshold.
Related Calculators
- Medicare IRMAA Calculator: /calculator/115-medicare-irmaa-calculator-2026
- Retirement Savings: /calculator/02-retirement-savings-calculator
Conclusion
Medigap provides peace of mind—predictable costs instead of unlimited exposure. For most people, Plan G offers the best balance of coverage and cost.
Use the Medigap Cost Calculator to compare plans in your area and choose the right coverage for your health and budget.
Key Takeaways
- Maximize HSA contributions for tax-free medical expense coverage
- Compare health insurance plans based on total cost, not just premiums
- Build a dedicated health savings buffer for unexpected medical expenses
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your financial details in the fields above
- Adjust parameters to match your specific situation
- Review the calculated results and projections
- Compare different scenarios to find the optimal strategy
Tips for Better Results
- Use realistic estimates based on current market conditions
- Update your calculations regularly as your situation changes
- Consider consulting a financial advisor for complex decisions
- Remember that calculator results are estimates, not guarantees