How Medigap plans are priced
The same plan letter can cost very different amounts, and change differently.
Because Medigap benefits are standardized, the real differences between companies are price and service. And the way a company sets its prices affects not just what you pay now but how your premium changes as you age.
The three pricing methods
- Community-rated (no-age-rated): everyone who buys the policy pays the same premium, regardless of age. Premiums can still rise for inflation and other reasons.
- Issue-age-rated (entry-age-rated): the premium is based on your age when you buy. It doesn't rise because you get older, though it can rise for other reasons.
- Attained-age-rated: the premium is based on your current age and rises as you get older, on top of other increases. It's often cheapest at 65 and can become the most expensive later.
Other things that affect price
- Where you live, sometimes down to the ZIP code.
- Whether you buy during a guaranteed period or pass underwriting.
- Tobacco use, in states that allow it.
- Discounts some companies offer, such as for household members or paying annually.
Some states require community rating
A few states, including New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts and others, require Medigap to be community rated, so age doesn't affect the premium. Our state pages note where this applies.
Comparing quotes well
Ask each company which pricing method it uses and how its rates for your plan have changed in recent years. Your state insurance department may publish a premium comparison guide.
Common questions
Attained-age policies are often cheapest at 65, but rise with age. Over many years, an issue-age or community-rated policy can cost less. It depends on the company and how long you keep the policy.
Yes, under any pricing method, for reasons such as inflation and claims. Attained-age policies also rise as you get older.
Want help with your own choices?
Every state runs a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) with trained counselors who give free, unbiased Medicare help and do not sell plans. Find yours on our Medicare by state pages, or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Planning the rest of your coverage in retirement? We can help with life insurance later in life and final expense coverage.
Sources
- How Medigap policies are priced, Medicare.gov. Checked September 29, 2026.
- Choosing a Medigap Policy (March 2026), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Checked September 29, 2026.
General information about the federal Medicare program, not advice about your situation. Figures are for 2026 unless stated and change every year; last reviewed September 29, 2026. Quote My Policy is a private company. Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.
Quote My Policy does not sell Medicare plans on this site. For plan-specific help, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.