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Switching from Medicare Advantage to Medigap
You can leave a Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare during certain enrollment periods. Whether you can also buy a Medigap policy without health questions depends on your situation.
When you can leave Medicare Advantage
- Fall Open Enrollment: October 15 to December 7 (coverage changes January 1)
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: January 1 to March 31
- A Special Enrollment Period, such as moving out of your plan's service area
Medigap trial rights
If you joined a Medicare Advantage Plan when you were first eligible for Medicare at 65 and you leave within the first 12 months, you can generally buy any Medigap policy without health questions. If you dropped a Medigap policy to try Medicare Advantage for the first time and leave within 12 months, you can generally get your old policy back, or another if it is no longer sold.
Guaranteed issue rights
You also have a right to buy certain Medigap policies if, for example, your Medicare Advantage Plan leaves Medicare or stops serving your area, or you move out of its service area.
Medical underwriting
Outside trial rights and guaranteed issue situations, Medigap insurers in most states can ask health questions and may decline your application or charge more. Some states have extra protections. Apply for the Medigap policy and get approved before you leave your Medicare Advantage Plan, and join a Part D plan so you are not without drug coverage.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap any time?
You can only leave Medicare Advantage during certain enrollment periods. Buying a Medigap policy without health questions requires trial rights or a guaranteed issue right in most states.
What are Medigap trial rights?
If you joined Medicare Advantage when first eligible at 65, or left Medigap to try Medicare Advantage for the first time, you can generally return to Medigap within the first 12 months without health questions.
Do I need a Part D plan if I leave Medicare Advantage?
Usually yes, if your Medicare Advantage Plan included drug coverage. Join a Part D plan to avoid a gap in drug coverage and a possible late enrollment penalty.
Should I cancel my Medicare Advantage plan before applying for Medigap?
No. Apply and get approved for the Medigap policy first, then leave your Medicare Advantage Plan during a valid enrollment period.
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).