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Medigap vs Medicare Advantage
After you have Part A and Part B, you choose between two paths: Original Medicare with a Medigap policy (plus a Part D plan), or a Medicare Advantage Plan. Here is a side-by-side coverage comparison.
| Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D | Medicare Advantage | |
|---|---|---|
| Who provides it | Medicare pays first; a private Medigap insurer pays its share | A private plan approved by Medicare provides your Part A and Part B benefits |
| Doctors and hospitals | Any provider in the U.S. that accepts Medicare | Usually a network; rules vary by plan type |
| Referrals and prior authorization | No referrals in Original Medicare | Some plans require referrals and prior authorization |
| Premiums | Part B ($202.90 in 2026) + Medigap premium + Part D premium | Part B ($202.90 in 2026) + plan premium (varies; some are $0) |
| Costs when you get care | Low or none, depending on Medigap plan | Copays and coinsurance, up to the plan's yearly out-of-pocket limit |
| Drug coverage | Separate Part D plan ($2,100 yearly cap on covered drugs in 2026) | Usually included (same $2,100 cap) |
| Travel | Nationwide with Original Medicare; some Medigap plans cover foreign travel emergencies | Usually emergency and urgent care only outside the service area |
| Extra benefits | Not included | Many plans include some dental, vision, hearing or fitness benefits |
| Switching later | You can drop Medigap any time; re-buying later may require health questions | Change during set enrollment periods; moving to Medigap later may require health questions |
Who often looks at Medigap
People who want to choose any doctor that takes Medicare, travel often within the U.S., or want predictable costs when they need care.
Who often looks at Medicare Advantage
People who want one plan card with drug coverage, are comfortable using a network, and value extra benefits or lower monthly premiums.
Neither choice is right for everyone. Read switching from Medicare Advantage to Medigap before you decide, and see Medigap plans 2026 and Medicare Advantage explained.
Frequently asked questions
Is Medigap or Medicare Advantage better?
Neither is better for everyone. Medigap offers broad doctor choice and predictable costs for a higher premium; Medicare Advantage often has lower premiums but uses networks and copays.
Can I have Medigap and Medicare Advantage at the same time?
No. Medigap policies only work with Original Medicare, and it is illegal for anyone to sell you a Medigap policy if they know you are in a Medicare Advantage Plan.
Does Medicare Advantage have an out-of-pocket maximum?
Yes. Every Medicare Advantage Plan has a yearly limit on what you pay for covered Part A and Part B services. Original Medicare alone has no such limit, which is one reason people buy Medigap.
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare?
Yes, during Fall Open Enrollment or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. Buying a Medigap policy at that point may require health questions in most states.
Talk with a licensed agent
Questions about your Medicare options? Call 1-844-438-6284 (TTY 711) or request a free, no-obligation quote. We do not offer every plan available in your area.
Sources for 2026 figures: CMS 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles; Medicare.gov: Medicare costs; Medicare.gov: Part D costs. For information on all of your options, contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048).