Medigap Policies

Medicare Supplement Insurance

Medicare Supplement Insurance, commonly known as Medigap, is specifically designed to work alongside Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Its primary function is to "fill the gaps"—the deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance that you would otherwise pay out of pocket.

For travelers, Medigap is often considered the "gold standard" because of its portability and lack of network restrictions within the United States.

1. Traveling Across State Lines

The most significant benefit of Medigap for domestic travel is its nationwide coverage.

• No Networks: Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, which often use HMO or PPO networks restricted to specific regions or states, Medigap has no provider networks.

• Universal Acceptance: You can see any doctor, specialist, or hospital in all 50 states (and U.S. territories) as long as they accept Original Medicare. Since over 90% of primary care physicians in the U.S. accept Medicare, your coverage effectively follows you wherever you go.

• No Referrals: You generally do not need a referral to see a specialist, regardless of which state you are in. This is a major advantage for "snowbirds" or those who spend extended time in different parts of the country.

2. Standardized Plan Benefits (2026)

Standardized Medigap benefits remain consistent in their structure for 2026, though the specific dollar amounts for Medicare deductibles and copayments have increased.

Medigap plans are standardized by letter (A–N). A "Plan G" from one company offers the exact same medical benefits as a "Plan G" from another; the primary differences are the premium cost and the company's reputation.

Key Financial Figures for 2026

• Part A Deductible: $1,736 per benefit period.

• Part B Deductible: $283 per year.

• High-Deductible Plan G (HDG): For 2026, the annual deductible you must meet before the plan pays is $2,950.

• Out-of-Pocket Limits (Plans K & L): The annual limits are $8,000 for Plan K and $4,000 for Plan L.

Important Plan Restrictions

• Plans C and F: These are only available if you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you are new to Medicare, you cannot purchase these, as they cover the Part B deductible.

3. International Travel Benefits

While Original Medicare generally provides no coverage outside the U.S., several Medigap plans (C, D, F, G, M, and N) include a Foreign Travel Emergency benefit:

• Coverage Level: The plan pays 80% of the billed charges for "medically necessary" emergency care that begins during the first 60 days of your trip.

• Deductible: There is a separate $250 annual deductible for these foreign travel services.

• Lifetime Limit: This benefit has a $50,000 lifetime maximum.

• Limitation: It typically does not cover non-emergency care or medical evacuation (airlifts). Many travelers choose to supplement this with a separate travel medical insurance policy for higher limits and evacuation coverage.

4. Key Considerations for 2026

• The Part B Deductible: For 2026, the Part B deductible is $283. You must pay this amount out of pocket once per year before your Medigap plan starts covering your Part B medical costs.

• High-Deductible Options: High-deductible versions of Plan G exist. For 2026, the deductible for these plans is $2,950. These offer lower monthly premiums but require you to pay all Medicare-covered costs up to that limit before the supplement kicks in.

• Part B Excess Charges: If a doctor does not accept "assignment" (the Medicare-approved amount), they can charge up to 15% more. Plan G covers these "excess charges," which provides peace of mind when seeing unfamiliar doctors while traveling.

5. Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage for Travelers

• Medigap: Higher monthly premium, but near-zero out-of-pocket costs and total freedom to choose any Medicare doctor nationwide.

• Medicare Advantage: Often $0 or low monthly premiums, but you are typically restricted to a local network. Out-of-state care is often limited to emergencies only, and routine follow-up care may not be covered outside your home service area.