Can you switch between Medigap plans without underwriting?
Asked by: Eusebio Auer | Last update: October 13, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (42 votes)
Can you switch from one Medigap company to another?
California, Idaho, Illinois, Nevada, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Oklahoma, and Oregon, have the Medigap Birthday Rule. If you are currently enrolled in a Medigap plan, you can change to a different Medigap plan each year around your birth month with no medical questions asked using a state-specific birthday rule.
Can I change Medigap plans without underwriting?
If you qualify for a guaranteed issue right, you can switch Medigap plans without medical underwriting. Additionally, insurers can't deny you coverage or charge higher rates if you have a guaranteed issue right.
How can we avoid Medigap underwriting?
You can enroll in a Medigap plan without going through medical underwriting (in other words, without having to answer any medical questions) if you enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan when you first became eligible for Medicare at age 65 and then decided a Medicare Advantage plan was not for you.
When can a person change Medigap plans?
A: If you already have Medigap insurance, you have 60 days of "open enrollment" following your birthday each year when you can buy a new Medigap policy without a medical screening or a new waiting period. The new policy must have the same or lesser benefits as your old policy.
Can You Change Your Medicare Supplement Anytime?
What is the 6 month rule for Medigap insurance?
You have the right to purchase a Medigap policy for 6 months if you move out of the area served by your Medigap plan. For example, if you bought a plan while living in another state that will not cover you in your current state, you have 6 months to replace that plan.
Can you have two Medigap plans?
While the short answer is no — by law, Medigap insurance providers are not allowed to sell more than one such plan to any one beneficiary — it's important to understand how these Medicare supplement plans work so you can make the best decision for your financial and health care needs.
Can Medigap deny preexisting conditions?
Under current federal law, insurance companies that sell Medigap policies may refuse to sell a policy to an applicant with certain medical conditions, or who has had certain medical procedures or used specific prescription drugs, outside of open enrollment or a guaranteed issue period.
Does Medigap Plan G require underwriting?
There is only underwriting if you initially sign up for Medicare Advantage and then after your trial period want to switch to a supplement plan such as Plan G. If you initially sign up for Plan G there is no underwriting in Year 2 or any other year to stay on it.
Are Medigap policies being phased out?
For example, Medigap plans C and F will no longer be available to new Medicare recipients after January 1st, 2020.
Can you cancel a Medigap policy at any time?
If your health care needs change and you no longer wish to keep your current Medicare Supplement insurance policy, you can cancel it at any time. There is no disenrollment period and there are no penalties for canceling. Also, canceling your Medigap policy does not affect your Original Medicare benefits in any way.
Can you switch between Medicare plans?
If you joined a Medicare Advantage Plan during your Initial Enrollment Period, you can change to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) or go back to Original Medicare (with or without a drug plan) within the first 3 months you have Medicare Part A & Part B.
Do Medigap premiums increase with age?
Attained-age-rated: Premiums are initially based on your age when you purchase a policy, and they increase as you get older (meaning you pay a different price at age 65 than you do at age 70). These premiums may be the lowest when you first buy them, but they are generally the most expensive over your lifetime.
Can I switch from Medigap to Medicare Advantage without underwriting?
If you're currently in your Medigap open enrollment period or your first year with a Medicare Advantage plan, you may want to switch while you can get guaranteed approval without medical underwriting. However, you'll need to weigh both options' pros and cons to determine what's best for your budget and situation.
What are the top 5 Medicare Supplement plans?
💬 From our Nerds: What are the top five Medicare supplement plans? "Based on NerdWallet's Medigap rubric, I picked five best Medicare Supplement Insurance companies for 2025: AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, State Farm, Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Where can I buy a Medigap policy and cancel one if needed?
You can buy a Medigap policy from any insurance company that's licensed in your state to sell one. As you shop for a policy, be sure you're comparing the same lettered plan offered by different insurance companies. For example, compare Plan A from one company with Plan A from another company.
Can I switch from high deductible Plan G to a Plan G without underwriting?
You can change Medigap carriers, while keeping the same level of coverage, during the months surrounding your Medigap anniversary. For example, you can switch from one Plan G to another without underwriting, but not Plan G to a Plan N.
Does Medigap require preauthorization?
No prior authorization requirements
With Original Medicare and Medigap, you don't need to worry about getting prior authorization for covered services, making it easier to get the care you need without delay.
Which states have guaranteed issues for Medigap?
State laws can provide further protections, but only four states— Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, and New York—require either continuous or annual guaranteed issue protections for Medigap for all beneficiaries in traditional Medicare ages 65 and older, regardless of their medical history.
Does Medigap require medical underwriting?
Yes, a person can change Medigap policies without medical underwriting if they are within the 6-month Medigap open enrollment period. They can also do so if they are eligible under a specific situation or guaranteed issue right. However, in many cases, a person will need to go through medical underwriting.
What are some reasons someone would want to switch to a different Medigap policy?
- You're paying for benefits you don't need.
- You need more benefits.
- You want to change insurance companies.
- You want a policy that costs less.
What pre-existing conditions are not covered?
Is there health insurance for pre-existing conditions? Choosing a health plan is no longer based on the concept of a pre-existing condition. A health insurer cannot deny you coverage or raise rates for plans if you have a medical condition at the time of enrollment.
What is the downside to Medigap plans?
There are a couple of cons to consider before choosing a Medigap plan: Premiums: Medigap premiums can be pricey. Coverage: Medicare Supplement plans don't cover everything, so you'd still have to pay out of pocket for things like dental care, vision care and long-term care.
Can you be turned down for Medigap insurance?
Outside of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period: You may have to pay more for a policy. Fewer policy options may be available to you. The insurance company is allowed to deny you a policy if you don't meet their medical underwriting requirements.
What is the Medigap birthday rule?
A 'birthday rule' in eight states allows users to switch Medigap plans. Of those 15 states, eight have implemented a “birthday rule” that allows Medigap enrollees to switch Medigap plans without medical underwriting around the time of their birthday.