“How much does Medigap cost?” is probably the single most common question we get from readers. And unfortunately, the honest answer is “it depends” — which we know is frustrating. But the range really is huge: anywhere from $77 to over $300 a month, depending on your age, where you live, which plan you pick, and which company you buy from.
We pulled actual premium data from major insurers across Florida, California, and Texas to give you real numbers instead of vague ranges. What surprised us most was the geographic spread. A 65-year-old man pays $248/month for Plan F in Florida but only $212 in California. Same plan, same insurer, same person — just a different zip code.
Here’s something our team thinks every Medigap shopper should know: attained-age pricing will get you. It starts cheap when you’re 65, but by the time you’re 80, you’re paying significantly more than you would have with a community-rated or issue-age plan. We’ve seen people save thousands over the life of their policy just by understanding this one concept before they bought.
David Chen spent an afternoon getting quotes from four carriers for the same Plan G in the same zip code, and the cheapest was $42/month less than the most expensive. Same exact coverage. That’s over $500 a year. Always get multiple quotes. And since CMS updates costs annually, verify current numbers at medicare.gov or with a free SHIP counselor. Not finding what you need? Let us know at [email protected] — we’re always adding new guides.
Quick answer: Medigap premiums range from about $77/month (Plan K) to $300+/month (Plan F), depending on plan, age, location, and insurer. Plan G — the most popular choice — averages $134-$191/month for a 65-year-old. Always get quotes from at least three carriers; rates for the same plan can differ by 30% in the same zip code.
How Much Does Medigap Cost in 2026?
Medigap premiums vary significantly based on plan letter, location, and personal factors. Here’s actual premium data from major insurers to give you a realistic baseline.
Average Cost of Medigap Plan F
Plan F (available only to those Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020) offers the most comprehensive coverage and carries the highest average premiums.
| Person | Monthly in Florida | Monthly in California | Monthly in Texas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male, 65 | $248 | $212 | $221 |
| Female, 65 | $241 | $212 | $218 |
| Male, 75 | $317 | $265 | $256 |
| Female, 75 | $304 | $265 | $227 |
Average Cost of Medigap Plan G
Plan G is the most popular plan for new Medicare enrollees. It covers everything Plan F covers except the Part B deductible.
| Person | Monthly in Florida | Monthly in California | Monthly in Texas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male, 65 | $191 | $141 | $151 |
| Female, 65 | $183 | $141 | $134 |
| Male, 75 | $263 | $208 | $196 |
| Female, 75 | $253 | $208 | $173 |
Note that Florida premiums are significantly higher than California and Texas. Location is one of the biggest pricing variables in the Medigap market.
Factors That Affect Your Medigap Premium
1. Plan Letter
The most significant factor. Plan F costs the most; Plan K costs the least. Here’s a rough hierarchy by cost:
K < L < A < B < D < M < N < G < F
2. Pricing Method
How your insurer prices its plans affects long-term cost:
Community-rated: Everyone in the same area pays the same premium regardless of age. Premiums rise only due to inflation and healthcare cost increases.
Issue-age rated: Premium is locked at the rate for your age when you first enroll. Doesn’t increase because of aging — only due to inflation.
Attained-age rated: Premiums are tied to your current age and increase as you get older. Starts lowest but becomes the most expensive over time.
Most plans use attained-age rating. If you’re comparing plans, ask which pricing method each insurer uses.
3. Location
Geography has a major impact on Medigap pricing. Premiums are driven by local healthcare costs and insurer competition. Florida consistently has among the highest Medigap premiums nationally; California and Texas tend to have lower rates.
Even within a state, premiums can vary significantly by county or metro area.
4. Gender
Women tend to live longer and (statistically) use less acute medical care than men, which results in lower premiums in most states. Some states (including New York) prohibit gender-based pricing.
5. Age
For attained-age rated plans, premiums increase with age. For issue-age rated plans, the age at enrollment determines your starting rate — younger enrollees pay less initially. Community-rated plans don’t vary with age.
Enrolling at 65 (during Open Enrollment) is typically the most cost-efficient approach for long-term premiums.
6. Tobacco Use
Tobacco use — including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and vaping — typically raises Medigap premiums by up to 10%. Insurers ask about tobacco use on applications, and some require a waiting period before reducing rates after quitting.
7. Household Discounts
Most major Medigap insurers offer household discounts when two or more individuals in the same household enroll with the same carrier. Discounts typically range from 7% to 15%. Mutual of Omaha offers a 12% couples discount — one of the higher rates available.
8. Payment Method
Many insurers offer small discounts for setting up automatic payment (typically 2–5%). Quarterly or annual payments by check or credit card may not qualify.
9. Enrollment Timing
Enrolling during your Open Enrollment Period (the 6 months following your Part B effective date) gives you access to the best pricing. Insurers cannot apply age-related surcharges or extra charges for pre-existing conditions during this window.
Tips for Getting the Best Medigap Rate
- Start during Open Enrollment — Guaranteed access at standard rates
- Compare at least three carriers — Premium differences of 20–30% for the same plan are common
- Ask about the pricing method — Community or issue-age rated plans may be better long-term value despite higher initial premiums
- Inquire about discounts — Household, automatic payment, and enrollment timing discounts add up
- Consider the total picture — A slightly higher premium with better service and financial ratings may be worth the cost
The best time to start shopping for Medigap coverage is when you first become eligible. The Open Enrollment Period protects you fully — use it.
Note: Medicare premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing amounts are updated annually by CMS. Always verify current figures at medicare.gov before making enrollment decisions.