Medicare Supplement Plan G Costs in 2026
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan G has quickly become the most popular choice for retirees.
It offers nearly complete coverage of the gaps left by Original Medicare, giving beneficiaries predictable costs and nationwide freedom of choice.
But heading into 2026, Medicare beneficiaries are paying closer attention than ever to what they spend on coverage. After historic rate increases in 2025 – some as high as 50% in certain states – many policyholders are reviewing their Medigap options, comparing top Plan G carriers, and looking for ways to save without sacrificing benefits.
For example, new 2026 premiums for a 65-year-old nonsmoker highlight the wide variation by carrier and state. In Texas, Cigna comes in at $167 per month compared to Aetna’s $220, while in Florida, the same plan can range from $327 with Florida Blue to $449 with Aetna. Georgia shows similar differences, with Anthem GA offering $180 and Mutual of Omaha reaching $233.
Cigna: A Top Pick for 2026
Cigna stands out as one of our top picks for 2026 thanks to its consistently low Medicare Supplement Plan G premiums. In states like Texas and Georgia, Cigna posts some of the most competitive rates available – $167 and $198 per month, respectively – beating or matching larger carriers while still offering strong nationwide coverage.
For cost-conscious retirees, Cigna’s pricing makes it a clear leader among Plan G options. In this guide, we’ll break down the rate increases, show sample Plan G monthly premiums across top carriers, and highlight our picks for the best options in 2026.
2025’s Historic Rate Increases
The year 2025 brought some of the steepest Medicare Supplement rate hikes ever recorded, with premiums rising anywhere from 8% to as high as 50% depending on the carrier and state.
These unprecedented increases caused significant financial stress for retirees who rely on Medigap coverage to keep their healthcare costs predictable.
The confusion was compounded by timing. While Medigap plans are not tied to the Annual Election Period (AEP), many beneficiaries were swept up in the wave of heavy Medicare Advantage advertising and assumed they needed to re-shop their Medigap coverage at the same time.
For many, this was their first real exposure to how dramatically Medigap rates can vary between carriers – even though the benefits remain standardized.
Why 2026 Is a Year of Rate Shopping
After the record-setting premium hikes of 2025, beneficiaries are entering 2026 with a sharper focus on cost.
More seniors now understand that while Plan G and Plan N offer identical benefits across all carriers, the premiums can vary dramatically from one company to another. This realization has created a surge in rate shopping, as retirees seek to avoid overpaying for the same standardized coverage.
Interest is especially strong in Plan G and Plan N, the two most popular Medigap options. Plan G remains the gold standard for comprehensive protection, while Plan N appeals to those willing to trade small copays for lower monthly premiums.
With both plans seeing heightened demand, comparisons between the two are becoming a central part of the decision-making process.
This environment has also increased the demand for agent guidance. Navigating a competitive marketplace with dozens of carriers can be overwhelming for beneficiaries, and trusted advisors are playing a key role in helping clients evaluate premiums, rate stability, and long-term value.
Best Medigap Insurance Companies in 2026
When comparing Medigap carriers in 2026, it’s not just about price – it’s also about reputation, rate stability, and overall value.
Here’s how the leading players stack up.
#1. Cigna: The Price Leader in Many States
Cigna has emerged as one of the most consistently competitive carriers in the Medicare Supplement market.
Their Plan G and Plan N premiums are often among the lowest, especially for new enrollees, and they frequently pair strong pricing with household discounts that make them even more attractive for couples.
For cost-conscious beneficiaries, Cigna often represents the best first stop when comparing rates. The tradeoff is that rate stability can vary by state, so it’s important to review renewal history as well as the initial premium.
#2. Aetna: The Reliable Middle Ground
Aetna isn’t usually the lowest-priced carrier, but it offers a balance of affordability and long-term stability.
Its Medigap plans are widely available and backed by a large national brand, and it has a reputation for manageable rate increases over time.
Aetna is often a comfortable choice for beneficiaries who want a steady, no-surprises option – even if it’s not the rock-bottom cheapest.
#3. Mutual of Omaha: The Trusted Name
Mutual of Omaha is one of the most recognized brands in the Medigap market, and that reputation matters. Many seniors gravitate to them simply because of their name recognition and history of paying claims reliably.
Their rates in 2026 tend to fall in the middle of the pack – not the lowest, but supported by the trust factor and a strong network of agents.
Mutual of Omaha is often the company people choose when they value peace of mind and brand stability over shaving every last dollar off their premium.
#4. Blue Cross Blue Shield: Local Powerhouses
Blue Cross Blue Shield operates on a state-by-state basis, so competitiveness can look very different depending on where you live:
- Texas – BCBS has priced itself as a strong competitor, often going toe-to-toe with national carriers like Cigna.
- Illinois – BCBS is particularly well-positioned here, offering attractive premiums that make them a top choice in the Midwest.
- Florida – In this crucial retiree market, BCBS often plays a central role, competing head-to-head with larger national names for market share.
BCBS’s strength lies in its local recognition and member perks (such as wellness programs), which can appeal to beneficiaries who want the comfort of a trusted local brand.
Sample Monthly Premiums for Medicare Supplement Plan G (Age 65, Nonsmoker)
| State | Cigna | Aetna | Mutual of Omaha | Blue Cross Blue Shield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $167 | $220 | $198 | $179 (BCBSTX) |
| Florida | $339 | $449 | $351 | $327 (Florida Blue) |
| Georgia | $198 | $199 | $233 | $180 (Anthem GA) |
Quick Breakdown:
- Cigna: Continues to price competitively in multiple states, especially Texas and Georgia.
- Aetna: Positions itself in the middle tier – rarely the cheapest, but stable.
- Mutual of Omaha: Premiums trend higher, but the brand is widely trusted and stable.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield: Often competitive locally, with particularly strong pricing in Texas, Florida, and Georgia.
Why Medicare Supplement Plan G Premiums Vary by State and Carrier
One of the most confusing parts of shopping for Medicare Supplement (Medigap) coverage is seeing how different the premiums can be from one company to another, even though the benefits are 100% standardized.
With Plan G, every insurer is required to provide the same coverage. The only differences you’ll experience are in monthly cost, rate stability, and service.
The premiums shown above are just examples based on a 65-year-old nonsmoker. Your own rate may be higher or lower depending on factors like age, gender, ZIP code, tobacco use, and household discounts.
Premiums vary for several reasons:
- State regulations and markets. Some states, like Florida, have much higher average premiums than others due to healthcare costs and local insurance rules.
- Pricing methods. Carriers use different rating systems (attained-age, issue-age, or community-rated), which can affect how fast premiums rise as you get older.
- Discounts. Household or multi-policy discounts can make one carrier significantly cheaper than another for couples.
- Company strategy. Some insurers aggressively compete for new business with lower entry rates (like Cigna in many states), while others rely more on brand recognition and stability (like Mutual of Omaha).
The takeaway: these premiums are not your exact rates – they are only examples.
Two insurers offering the same Plan G could differ by $50–$100 monthly, depending on your personal details and location. Over time, that adds up to thousands of dollars in potential savings for the same coverage.
Understanding Medicare Supplement Plan G
Plan G has become the most popular Medicare Supplement plan for new enrollees – and for good reason.
It offers nearly complete protection against the gaps in Original Medicare, providing both peace of mind and predictable healthcare costs.
We personally love Plan G for many reasons. Let’s touch on a few big ones.
#1. Comprehensive Coverage: Plan G covers all Medicare-approved expenses except for the Medicare Part B deductible ($257 in 2025). Once that deductible is paid, beneficiaries typically pay $0 out of pocket for covered services. This includes hospital stays, doctor visits, outpatient procedures, and Part B excess charges.
#2. No Networks: Unlike Medicare Advantage, Plan G has no network restrictions. You can see any doctor or hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare – no referrals needed. For retirees who travel or split time between different states, this flexibility is one of Plan G’s biggest advantages.
#3. Travel Benefits: In addition to nationwide access, Plan G also includes limited foreign travel emergency coverage. While not comprehensive international insurance, it does provide a safety net for seniors who occasionally travel abroad.
What Plan G Doesn’t Cover
It’s important to note that Plan G does not include everything. Like all Medigap plans, it does not cover prescription drugs (you’ll need a separate Part D plan for that).
It also doesn’t cover dental, vision, hearing aids, or long-term custodial care. Beneficiaries often pair Plan G with standalone dental/vision policies to fill these gaps.
Plan G vs. Medicare Advantage in 2026
Before comparing features, it’s important to understand what each option is:
Medicare Supplement (Plan G): A standardized Medigap policy that works with Original Medicare (Parts A & B). It fills in the “gaps” by covering nearly all out-of-pocket costs after the Part B deductible. Plan G has no networks – it can be used with any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare.
Medicare Advantage (MA): An alternative to Original Medicare, offered by private insurers. MA plans combine Part A, Part B, and often Part D drug coverage, but they use provider networks (HMOs or PPOs) and may include extras like dental or vision. Costs vary by copays, coinsurance, and plan rules.
Why Medigap Wins
With Plan G, there are no networks, referrals, or HMO-style restrictions. You can see any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare. By contrast, most MA plans use narrow networks that may force you to switch providers or pay more if you go out-of-network.
Medigap Plan G offers fewer financial surprises. After paying the Part B deductible, nearly all Medicare-approved expenses are covered. MA plans often advertise low premiums but add costs through copays, coinsurance, and yearly benefit changes, making expenses less predictable.
Plan G is travel-friendly, ideal for retirees who spend part of the year in another state or travel frequently. Medicare Advantage coverage, however, is typically tied to local service areas or county-based networks that don’t travel well.
MA carriers regularly adjust their benefits to manage costs – dropping providers, trimming networks, or raising copays. Plan G avoids this turbulence, offering consistent benefits that don’t change year to year.
Where Will You See These Differences?
The differences between Plan G and Medicare Advantage show up in everyday situations that affect care, costs, and peace of mind.
Doctor Access
- Medicare Advantage: If your doctor or specialist leaves the plan’s network, you may have to change providers or pay more to keep seeing them.
- Plan G: You can continue seeing any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare, regardless of networks or contracts.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
- Medicare Advantage: Low or $0 premiums can be appealing, but frequent copays for specialists, lab work, or hospital visits add up quickly. Coinsurance and unexpected bills often make costs unpredictable.
- Plan G: After paying the annual Part B deductible, nearly all Medicare-approved costs are covered, keeping expenses simple and predictable.
Travel or Seasonal Living
- Medicare Advantage: Coverage is often limited to a local service area. If you spend part of the year in another state or travel frequently, you may have little or no access to in-network providers.
- Plan G: Works nationwide, so you can see any provider who accepts Medicare, whether you’re at home, traveling, or living seasonally in another state.
Long-Term Stability
- Medicare Advantage: Plans can change every year – dropping providers, altering copays, or even leaving certain counties. What worked one year may not be available the next.
- Plan G: Benefits are standardized and don’t change annually, giving long-term stability and peace of mind.
Medicare Supplement Plan G continues to be one of the best choices for retirees in 2026, offering comprehensive coverage, nationwide provider access, and year-to-year stability.
But after the record premium hikes of 2025, it’s more important than ever to shop around.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about Medicare Supplement Plan G in 2026, the smartest step is to start comparing rates. The benefits are identical no matter which company you choose, but the premiums and future rate increases can look very different.
Begin by reviewing your current payment, then request personalized quotes from top carriers such as Cigna, Aetna, Mutual of Omaha, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
As you look at your options, don’t just focus on the lowest monthly premium. Consider whether the company offers household discounts, how stable their rates have been in the past, and whether you feel confident in their reputation.
Once you’ve seen the full picture, you can enroll in the plan that gives you the right mix of affordability and long-term stability.
The key takeaway is simple: don’t overpay for identical coverage. Comparing your options today could save you thousands over time while still giving you the peace of mind that comes with Plan G.
At Policy Guide, we make this process easier. Our licensed agents work with top carriers, compare rates on your behalf, and explain the differences in plain language so you can make an informed decision.
Whether you want the lowest premium, the most stable company, or the right balance of both, we’re here to help you find the plan that fits your needs.
FAQs
- Why did Medicare Supplement rates increase so much in 2025?
- Are Plan G benefits the same with every company?
- How do Plan G and Plan N compare?
- Can I switch Medigap plans at any time?
- Is Plan G better than Medicare Advantage in 2026?
