Choosing between AARP Medicare Supplement Plan F and Plan G is one of the most common decisions seniors face in 2026.
Both plans are standardized Medigap policies offered by private insurers like UnitedHealthcare (through AARP), and both work with Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to reduce out‑of‑pocket costs. The key differences come down to eligibility, cost, and how they cover your Medicare expenses.
Understanding these differences helps you decide which plan fits your needs and budget in 2026.
What Is Medigap Plan F
Medigap Plan F provides the most comprehensive coverage of all Medigap plans. This means it pays for nearly all out‑of‑pocket costs that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover, including the Medicare Part B deductible.
Calculate Your 2026 COLA Increase →However, it is no longer sold to new Medicare enrollees who became eligible on or after January 1, 2020. If you were eligible before that date and already purchased Plan F, you can keep it.
Plan F covers:
- Medicare Part A deductible and coinsurance
- Medicare Part B deductible and coinsurance
- Part B excess charges
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
- Foreign travel emergency care (with limits)
Because of its broad coverage, Plan F was once the most popular Medigap plan in the country. However, since it is closed to new buyers, enrollment is declining over time.
What Is Medigap Plan G
Medigap Plan G offers almost the same benefits as Plan F, with one important exception: it does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible. This deductible is a standard yearly cost that all Medicare beneficiaries with Original Medicare must pay before Plan G begins covering your Part B costs.
Plan G covers:
- All the same benefits as Plan F except the Part B deductible
- Part B excess charges
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
- Foreign travel emergencies (with limits)
Plan G is open to all Medicare beneficiaries, including those who became eligible after January 1, 2020, making it the most accessible comprehensive Medigap option in 2026.
Who Can Enroll in Plan F or Plan G
A key difference between Plan F and Plan G is enrollment eligibility:
- Plan F is ONLY available if you were first eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. It cannot be sold to new Medicare enrollees after that date.
- Plan G is available to anyone who is eligible for Medicare and enrolls in Original Medicare.
This makes Plan G the practical choice for most people turning 65 or starting Medicare in 2026.
Cost Comparison in 2026
Since Plan G provides nearly the same coverage as Plan F, the cost difference comes down to how much insurers charge. Plan F typically has higher premiums because it covers the Part B deductible. Plan G premiums are usually lower because you agree to pay the Part B deductible yourself each year.
In 2026, the Medicare Part B deductible is $283. If the difference in annual premiums between Plan F and Plan G is more than this deductible cost, Plan G may save you money even if it seems less comprehensive upfront.
Coverage Comparison
The two plans are almost identical in terms of benefits, except for the Part B deductible.
Both plans cover:
- Medicare Part A and Part B coinsurance and copayments
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
- Part B excess charges
- Foreign travel emergency coverage subject to limits
Only Plan F covers:
- Medicare Part B deductible, which is $283 in 2026.
This means Plan G handles all the same services as Plan F once you meet the Part B deductible each year.
Why Plan G Is More Popular in 2026
Because Plan F is closed to new enrollees, Plan G has become the most popular comprehensive Medigap plan. In recent data, Plan G has a slightly larger share of Medigap enrollees than Plan F as aging blocks of Plan F shrink and new enrollees choose Plan G.
For most new Medicare beneficiaries, Plan G is the practical choice because:
- It offers nearly the same coverage as Plan F.
- It often has lower premiums.
- It is available to anyone eligible for Medicare in 2026.
Is Plan F Worth Keeping if You Already Have It
If you already have Plan F, you may still keep it without transferring. Some people prefer the simplicity of having no deductible to track each year.
Others find that the premium difference between Plans F and G outweighs the value of having the deductible covered.
Does Either Plan Cover Prescription Drugs
Neither Plan F nor Plan G includes prescription drug coverage. To cover medications, you must enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan.
Medigap plans only supplement Original Medicare, and Part D is designed specifically for outpatient prescription drug coverage.
Can You Switch Between Plan F and Plan G
You can apply to switch Medigap plans, but after your initial Medigap Open Enrollment period, insurers may require medical underwriting.
This means they can review your health history and may charge higher premiums or even refuse coverage.
When to Enroll in a Medigap Plan
The best time to enroll in any Medigap plan, including Plan F or Plan G, is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period.
This six‑month window starts when you are 65 and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurers cannot deny coverage or charge more due to pre‑existing conditions.
How to Compare Prices and Providers
Because Medigap plans are standardized, benefits do not vary across companies. However, premiums vary by insurer, location, age, and rating method.
You can compare Medigap plans using the official Medicare Medigap comparison tool.
