Medigap Plan F Explained – The Most Comprehensive Plan (Pre-2020 Only)

Medigap Plan F is the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement Insurance plan ever offered. It covers every gap in Original Medicare, leaving enrollees with zero out-of-pocket costs for covered services. However, this plan has been closed to new Medicare beneficiaries since January 1, 2020.

The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015 eliminated first-dollar coverage plans for anyone newly eligible for Medicare on or after that date. If you became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, you may still be able to purchase Medigap Plan F. For everyone else, Plan G now serves as the closest alternative. Understanding what Plan F covers helps you evaluate whether keeping it makes sense or whether switching could save you money.

What Does Medigap Plan F Cover?

Medigap Plan F covers 100 percent of all standardized Medigap benefits. This means you pay nothing beyond your monthly premium and your Part B premium. There are no copays, no deductibles, and no coinsurance for Medicare-covered services. It is the only Medigap plan that covers the Medicare Part B deductible, which is $283 in 2026.

Specifically, Plan F pays for Part A hospital coinsurance and an extra 365 days of hospital coverage. It covers the Part A deductible of $1,736 in 2026. It also pays Part B coinsurance or copayment amounts in full. Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance is covered for days 21 through 100. The plan picks up the cost of the first three pints of blood each year. Foreign travel emergency care is included up to plan limits.

In most cases, Medigap Plan F also covers Part B excess charges. These charges occur when a doctor does not accept Medicare assignment. The doctor can charge up to 15 percent above the Medicare-approved amount. Plan F pays that extra cost. As a result, enrollees face virtually no surprise bills from Medicare-covered services.

Medigap Plan F Benefits Table

*Plan N requires up to a $20 copay for some office visits and up to a $50 copay for emergency room visits that do not result in admission.
**Only available to those eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.

How Much Does Medigap Plan F Cost?

Medigap Plan F typically carries the highest premiums among all Medigap plans. This is partly because it offers the most complete coverage. However, the shrinking enrollment pool also drives costs up. Since no new beneficiaries can join, the existing pool ages over time. Older enrollees tend to use more health care. As a result, insurers raise premiums to cover rising claims.

Insurance companies use three pricing methods for Medigap policies. Community-rated plans charge everyone the same premium regardless of age. Issue-age-rated plans base your premium on the age when you first buy the policy. Attained-age-rated plans adjust your premium as you get older. For example, an attained-age plan may start lower but increase significantly over the years. You should ask each insurer which method they use before purchasing.

Many Medigap Plan F holders find that Plan G premiums are noticeably lower. The only difference is the Part B deductible. In 2026, that deductible is $283. If the premium savings from switching to Plan G exceed $283 per year, switching may reduce your total costs. Typically, Plan G premiums are more than $283 cheaper annually, making the switch worthwhile for many beneficiaries.

Who Should Choose Medigap Plan F?

Medigap Plan F is best for beneficiaries who want absolute predictability. You pay your monthly premium and nothing else for Medicare-covered services. There are no deductibles, no copays, and no surprise costs. This appeals to people on fixed incomes who need to budget precisely. It also suits those who visit doctors frequently and want zero-hassle billing.

However, you can only buy Plan F if you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you already have Plan F, you can keep it. However, you should compare your current premium to Plan G options annually. The premium difference often exceeds the $283 Part B deductible. In that case, switching to Plan G saves money while keeping nearly identical coverage.

For new Medicare beneficiaries in 2026, Plan F is not an option. Plan G is the closest alternative and covers everything except the Part B deductible. Plan N is another strong choice for those who want lower premiums and do not mind small copays. Typically, Plan N works well for healthy beneficiaries who see doctors less often.

Medigap Plan F vs Plan G vs Plan N

The difference between Medigap Plan F and Plan G is exactly one benefit: the Part B deductible. Plan G does not cover it. Everything else is identical. Both plans cover Part B excess charges, skilled nursing coinsurance, and foreign travel emergencies. For most people, Plan G delivers the same peace of mind at a lower total annual cost.

Plan N takes a different approach. It offers lower premiums in exchange for modest cost-sharing. You may pay up to $20 for some office visits. Emergency room visits that do not result in admission may cost up to $50. Plan N also does not cover Part B excess charges. In most cases, this only matters if your doctors do not accept Medicare assignment.

For example, a beneficiary paying significantly more for Plan F than a comparable Plan G policy is spending extra just to avoid the $283 annual deductible. Over several years, those premium differences add up considerably. As a result, financial advisors often recommend reviewing Plan F costs each year.

How to Buy Medigap Plan F

The best time to buy any Medigap policy is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This six-month window starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums due to health conditions. This is your strongest protection as a buyer.

Outside the Open Enrollment Period, you may face medical underwriting. Insurers can ask health questions and may deny coverage. However, certain situations trigger guaranteed issue rights. For example, if your Medicare Advantage plan leaves your area, you may qualify. Losing employer coverage also creates a guaranteed issue opportunity. These rights protect you from being denied a Medigap policy.

Remember that Medigap Plan F is only available if you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. Availability also varies by state and insurance company. Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin use their own standardized Medigap plans rather than the federal lettered system. You can compare plans and carriers in your area using the Medicare Plan Finder tool on Medicare.gov. Always compare at least three carriers to find the best premium for identical standardized coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medigap Plan F

Can I still buy Medigap Plan F in 2026?

Only if you became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. MACRA closed Plan F and Plan C to anyone newly eligible on or after that date. If you qualified before the cutoff but have not yet enrolled, you may still be able to purchase medigap plan f from carriers in your state.

Is Medigap Plan F worth the higher premium?

It depends on how much more you pay compared to Plan G. The only extra benefit is Part B deductible coverage, worth $283 in 2026. If your Plan F premium exceeds a comparable Plan G premium by more than that amount annually, switching to Plan G would save money. Typically, the premium gap is larger than the deductible.

Does Medigap Plan F cover prescription drugs?

No. No Medigap plan covers prescription drugs. You need a separate Medicare Part D plan for outpatient prescription drug coverage. You cannot have both a Medigap policy and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time.

Can I switch from Medigap Plan F to Plan G?

Yes, but you may need to pass medical underwriting unless you have guaranteed issue rights. Some states have additional protections that allow switching without underwriting. Contact your state insurance department to check your options. In most cases, switching is straightforward if you are in good health.

Compare Medicare Plans

Ready to explore your Medicare options? Use the official Medicare Plan Finder or contact your local SHIP counselor for free, unbiased help.

Official Sources & Resources

For verified Medicare information and enrollment help:

• Medicare.gov: medicare.gov
• CMS.gov: cms.gov
• NAIC Medigap Guide: naic.org
• KFF Medicare Research: kff.org/medicare
• Find Your SHIP: medicare.gov/contacts

Content last reviewed April 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.

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