Published: October 12, 2026
While Medigap and Medicare Advantage both help cover costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay (like the deductibles for a hospital visit or medications), Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans like Plan G covers the 20% that Part B doesn't cover and can be used anywhere Medicare assignment is accepted, Plan N has small copays. Medicare Advantage (Part C) uses narrower provider networks and requires copays and coinsurance similar to a private group plan from an employer. Medigap plans typically have higher premiums and does not include prescription drug coverage or benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing (DVH) coverage while Medicare Advantage has lower premiums and does include prescription drug coverage.
Deciding what kind of Medicare plan to have is one of the biggest choices that any beneficiary will make. Your two options to help cover the gaps left by Original Medicare are Medicare Advantage, a private health plan with low premiums, and a Medicare Supplement, which has higher premiums and covers nearly all your out-of-pocket expenses.
While Medigap and Medicare Advantage both help cover costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay (like the deductibles for a hospital visit or medications), making a choice between the two depends on your healthcare needs and understanding 2026 out-of-pocket costs. Read on to find out the pros and cons of these two very different plan types.
What is Medicare Supplement (Medigap)?
Medigap is extra insurance you can buy that fills the financial gaps of your Original Medicare plan. The purpose of Medigap is to cover your expenses like coinsurance, copays, and deductibles. In 2026, your Part A hospital deductible is $1,736 per benefit period, as much as $615 for Part D (prescription drugs), and $283 for Part B. That adds up to more than $2,600 if you have several doctor’s visits, take some prescription medications, and have just one hospital visit in a year. Most Medigap plans cover that Part A deductible.
Pros and cons of Medicare Supplement
- Pros: Accepted by all doctors that take Medicare assignment; allows you to travel and still be covered; comes with predictable out-of-pocket costs.
- Cons: Higher monthly premiums; Part D must be purchased separately; no extras like dental or vision; premium rates increase once or twice a year.
Note: You’ll still pay your Part B premiums ($202.90 in 2026). If you choose the most robust plan, Plan G, you’ll only have to spend your $283 Part B deductible, and then your plan pays 100% of approved costs for outpatient care.
What is Medicare Advantage (Part C)?
Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare. It is offered by private insurance carriers and covers Part A, Part B, and Part D all in one. Though it’s private insurance, it is required to cover the same services as Original Medicare. With a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll pay your Part B monthly premiums, but you don’t pay the Part B deductible. Many Medicare Advantage plans have deductibles as low as $0. Copays and coinsurance vary by plan, and each plan has an out-of-pocket maximum you’ll spend each year.
Pros and cons of Medicare Advantage
- Pros: Low monthly premiums (often $0), Part D included in the coverage, possible additional benefits like dental, vision, and fitness memberships.
- Cons: Has HMO/PPO provider networks that may not include your doctor; may require prior authorization for some treatments; copays and coinsurance with unpredictable costs in a bad health year; out-of-pocket maximums change annually.
At-a-glance comparison chart: Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage
In a nutshell, Medicare Advantage comes with lower monthly premiums, but you could pay more out-of-pocket, particularly if you need a lot of healthcare services. Medigap has higher monthly premiums but covers most of your other healthcare expenses. Here’s a more detailed comparison of the two plans.
| Comparison Point | Medicare Supplement | Medicare Advantage |
| Out-of-Pocket Costs | Little to no copays. | Has copays. |
| Out-of-Pocket Maximum | One isn’t needed because the plan covers most healthcare costs. | Each plan has its own cap on costs that changes annually. |
| Monthly Premiums | Higher premiums (typically $100 to $300 per month). | Lower Premiums (sometimes $0). |
| Doctor Networks | You can see any doctor nationwide that accepts Medicare. | Each plan has its own network of doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies. |
| How It Works With Original Medicare | Is a supplement that fills the cost gaps left by Medicare Parts A and B. | Replaces Original Medicare Covers the same services as Original Medicare and charges copays and coinsurance on treatments. |
| Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) | You purchase a separate Part D plan. | Most plans include prescription drug coverage. |
| Travel Rules | Can be used anywhere Medicare is accepted. | The network of doctors is limited to the plan’s service area. |
| Additional Benefits | Typically doesn’t offer any, but covers most healthcare costs. | Many plans offer dental, vision, hearing, and sometimes an allowance for other goods and services. |
| Plan Communication | Little paperwork, automatically pays providers. | Some paperwork as members pay directly to providers. |
| Enrollment Periods | You can apply any time after you turn 65 and join Medicare Part B; best time to enroll is your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, when no underwriting is required. | There are specific enrollment periods each year, such as the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 – Dec. 7). |
| Cards Allotted | 3 Cards – Medicare Red, White & Blue Card; Medigap Card; Part D Card. | One Medicare Advantage Card. |
Medical underwriting: What you need to know before switching
If you are considering a Medicare Supplement, the best time to enroll is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This six-month window starts the first day of the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in a Part B plan. During this time, insurance carriers can’t deny you coverage because of health reasons (known as guaranteed issue).
Once people enjoy the predictability and freedom of Medigap coverage, they tend to stay on these plans. According to United Medicare Advisors customer data, fewer than one in 350 Medigap beneficiaries ever switch to Medicare Advantage. People who work with United Medicare Advisors agents stay for more than three years; people who enroll in Plan G (the most commonly chosen, comprehensive plan) stay for nearly five years.
Note: If you enroll in Medicare Advantage at age 65 and want to switch to Medigap later, you will probably have to go through medical underwriting. During this process, a carrier asks questions about your health. They can deny you coverage or charge more for Medigap coverage based on your pre-existing conditions.
How a UMA advisor compares your options
United Medicare Advisors is a free service that helps you compare different Medicare plans. Advisors won’t push you to one carrier or one plan; instead, you’ll get agnostic advice on all your options.
When you work with one of our advisors, they’ll ask you about your doctors, what prescription drugs you take, your healthcare needs, and your monthly budget. With that information, an advisor can help you weigh different Medigap options against Medicare Advantage plans.
Which plan is right for you in 2027?
Choosing between these two plan types comes down to a few key details about your health and budget. A Medigap plan may be best for you if you desire predictable costs, travel often, and want to be able to see a wide range of doctors. Medicare Advantage, on the other hand, works well for people who value low monthly premiums, don’t have a lot of healthcare needs, like the additional benefits, and don’t mind restrictions on the doctors you can see. To help you find the plan that best fits your needs, reach out to a licensed United Medicare Advisors agent.
