Can you switch Medigap plans?
You can always apply. Whether you're guaranteed a yes depends on timing and your state.
There's no federal annual window for switching Medigap plans. You can apply to switch at any time, but outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period and guaranteed issue situations, insurers in most states can use medical underwriting to accept you, decline you or charge more.
State rules that make switching easier
A growing number of states give Medigap policyholders a yearly chance to switch without health questions:
- Year-round: New York and Connecticut allow switching at any time; Washington allows switching among most plans at any time; Maine allows switching to equal or lesser benefits with continuous coverage.
- Birthday rules: states such as California, Oregon, Idaho, Illinois, Nevada, Maryland, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Delaware, Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, Utah, Wyoming and West Virginia give a window around your birthday, each with its own conditions.
- Anniversary rule: Missouri, around your policy's anniversary date.
- Annual windows: Rhode Island (during fall Open Enrollment) and Minnesota's new annual window.
The conditions vary
State rules differ in who qualifies (some only from 65 to 75, some only after 24 months of coverage), what you can switch to (equal or lesser benefits, or only the same plan letter), and which companies (any insurer, or only your current insurer or an affiliate). Our state pages spell out each state's conditions.
How to switch safely
- Don't cancel your current policy until the new one is approved.
- You get a 30-day free look period with the new policy, during which you can keep both and pay both premiums.
- Let your old company know once you're sure you're keeping the new one.
- The new company can't make you wait for pre-existing condition coverage if you've had Medigap for at least 6 months, for benefits you already had.
Common questions
Only in some states, such as Rhode Island. In most states, the October to December period doesn't give a Medigap right.
Outside guaranteed periods, it depends on the insurer's underwriting rules and your health. Many people with well-controlled conditions are accepted; some aren't.
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
- Change Medigap policies, 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.