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Medigap vs Medicare Advantage: what is the difference?
Medigap is a policy you add to Original Medicare to help pay costs it leaves you, and it works with any provider that takes Medicare. Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare with a private plan that has a yearly out-of-pocket limit and usually a network. You cannot use Medigap with a Medicare Advantage plan.
Facts only, from 4 cited sources, checked October 23, 2026. This page does not recommend either option.
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Medigap vs Medicare Advantage side by side
| Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) | Medicare Advantage (Part C) | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Works with | Original Medicare (Parts A and B) | Replaces Original Medicare; provides all Part A and B benefits | Medicare.gov: Compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage |
| Doctors and hospitals | Any that take Medicare, anywhere in the US (through Original Medicare) | You may need to use the plan's network for non-emergency care | Medicare.gov: Compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage |
| Yearly out-of-pocket limit | Original Medicare has none; Medigap Plans K and L have $8,000 and $4,000 in 2026 | Every plan has one; amounts vary | Medicare.gov: Compare Medigap plan benefits |
| Drug coverage | Join a separate Part D plan | Most plans include Part D | Medicare.gov: Compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage |
| Foreign travel | Many Medigap plans pay 80% of emergency care abroad, up to plan limits | Generally not covered; some plans offer it as an extra benefit | Medicare.gov: Compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage |
| Buying in later | 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment starts the first month you have Part B and are 65 or older | No Medigap-style open enrollment window; Medicare Advantage uses Medicare enrollment periods | Medicare.gov: Get ready to buy Medigap |
| Part B premium | Keep paying it ($202.90 standard in 2026) | Keep paying it ($202.90 standard in 2026) | Medicare.gov: Medicare costs (2026) |
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Questions
What is the difference between Medigap and Medicare Advantage?
Medigap is a policy you add to Original Medicare to help pay costs it leaves you, and it works with any provider that takes Medicare. Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare with a private plan that has a yearly out-of-pocket limit and usually a network. You cannot use Medigap with a Medicare Advantage plan.
Can I have Medigap and Medicare Advantage at the same time?
No. Medicare.gov says you can't buy Medigap to cover out-of-pocket costs in a Medicare Advantage plan.