The Best Medigap Plans for Cancer Patients
The best Medigap plans offer coverage for many of the out-of-pocket costs related to cancer treatment.
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- Offers 9 of the 10 Medigap plans, including G and N
- Part D with low copays and deductibles
- Discount for online enrollment
- Optional Part D, dental, and vision
- Instant pricing and easy enrollment
- Free SilverSneakers fitness membership
- 24/7 health advocate support
- Extensive Wellness Library with cancer resources, treatment plans, and tests
- Up to 25% enrollment discount
- Fast claims fulfillment
- Up to 12 percent household discount
- Guaranteed renewal
- 5 percent household discount offered in most states
- Variety of plans available
- Health and wellness benefits
Our team spent hours researching Medigap plans and narrowed down the list to our top picks for cancer patients.
Our team spent hours researching Medigap plans and narrowed down the list to our top picks for cancer patients.
Learn MoreContents
If you’re living with cancer, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this battle. More than two-thirds of all new cancers are diagnosed among individuals ages 60 or older, making it a common health condition for Medicare beneficiaries.1 Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) covers a portion of some cancer treatments. Unfortunately, without a Medigap plan, patients can be weighed down by out-of-pocket medical expenses. We have conducted extensive research on the best Medigap carriers for seniors with cancer. Humana is our top carrier because of its ample Medicare Supplement offerings and quality customer service.
Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Medigap Carriers for Cancer Patients
We spent over 100 hours researching, comparing, and evaluating Medigap plans for cancer patients using the following criteria: Medigap plans offered, availability of adding a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, and the insurance company’s longevity in the Medicare arena. From our research, we narrowed the list to five carriers. We also investigated whether the carrier’s website offered straightforward and easy access to plan availability and costs.
Why Trust Us
Our research team has spent hundreds of hours digging into the details of dozens of the nation’s most popular insurance carriers. We also consult a bevy of medical professionals and Medicare experts to gain further insight into the cost of treatments and how different plans and carriers specifically cater to cancer patients.
Medigap Plans for Cancer Patients
Cancer is one of the most expensive medical conditions in the U.S., and it may cause older adults with cancer to face significant financial hardship. Researchers found that cancer patients on Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) without supplemental health coverage spent one-quarter of their income on out-of-pocket medical costs.
» Related Reading: What You Need to Know About Medicare Part B
Medigap (also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance) may be used to help offset the out-of-pocket costs associated with cancer treatment, including copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. New enrollees can choose from eight of the 10 standardized Medigap plans: A, B, D, G, K, L, M, and N.
Two Medigap plans offering comprehensive coverage to fill in the gaps of Original Medicare stand out: Medigap Plan G and Plan N.
Medigap Plan G: Except for your Medicare Part B deductible, Medigap Plan G may cover up to 100 percent of the costs for outpatient services, including doctor visits, medical supplies, and lab work. Medigap Plan G can also cover blood transfusions, inpatient hospital fees, skilled nursing facility care, ambulance transportation, and hospice.
» Learn More: Hospice Care for Seniors
Medigap Plan N: Plan N is remarkably similar to Plan G’s coverage. With Plan N, however, you may be responsible for copayments up to $20 for office visits and $50 for emergency room visits that don’t result in inpatient admission. Because of those copayments, Plan N’s premiums are generally lower than Plan G’s.
Did You Know? If you live in Massachusetts, Minnesota, or Wisconsin, your state offers different Medigap standardized plans. Your State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) can assist with plan comparison.
A key difference between Plan G and Plan N is that Plan N does not cover Medicare Part B excess charges. An excess charge is the amount a health-care provider can charge over the Medicare-approved amount. All the insurance carriers that made our list offer plans G and N, along with prescription drug plans.
Prescription Drug Plans for Cancer Patients
In addition to a Medigap plan, it’s common for people with cancer to enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP). PDPs cover most prescription medications and some chemotherapy treatments and drugs. As with Medigap plans, Part D plans are sold by private insurance companies. As a cancer patient, your annual drug costs may be high, so you must look at all the available plans to find the one that best meets your needs.
Quick Tip: For a closer look at our top picks for prescription drug plans, visit our list of the best Medicare Part D plans.
Our five best Medigap plans for seniors with cancer all offer the option to add a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Combining multiple insurance plans helps streamline communication with your insurance carrier, make premium payments, and track coverage and claims.
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1. Humana - Best Overall
What we like most
- Offers 9 of the 10 Medigap plans, including G and N
- Part D with low copays and deductibles
- Discount for online enrollment
HumanaOverview:Overview
Humana began in the nursing home industry in 1959, and it has transformed over the past 60 years into a health-care powerhouse. Humana offers nine out of the 10 Medigap plans, including plans G and N, along with an impressive Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
Humana Medigap Plans*
- Plan A
- Plan B
- Plan D
- Plan G
- High-Deductible Plan G
- Plan K
- Plan L
- Plan N
*For individuals first eligible for Medicare before 2020, Plan C, Plan F, and High-Deductible Plan F are also available.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Humana
- Instant quotes and online-enrollment discounts
- Plan-comparison tool makes it easy to view plan premiums and details
- Prescription drug plan with copays and deductibles as low as $0 on over 900 Tier 1 and Tier 2 drugs
- Dental and vision plans
- Dental and vision plans
- ID cards, claims, in-network providers, and drug pricing are available on the MyHumana app from your cell phone
Cons About Humana
- Plan options vary depending on your ZIP code
- Customer service is only available Monday through Friday
Summary:Plans, Pricing, and Benefits
Depending on the state where you live, you may have to contact a Humana agent to discuss Medigap plans available in your area. Humana’s online search tool is pretty easy to use, but you need to be ready with your Medicare ID information, including your parts A and B coverage start dates. We researched plans and quotes for 65-year-old applicants located in Los Angeles. Here’s what we found for the seven plans available in that location:
Plan Monthly premium Annual deductible 365 extra days of hospital and coinsurance coverage Part B coinsurance or copay coverage Part A deductible coverage Part B deductible coverage Humana Plan N $206.68 $0 Yes Yes, up to $20 copay for office visits and $50 for ER visits Yes No Humana Plan G $279.60 $0 Yes Yes Yes No Humana Plan G High Deductible $75.43 $2,800 Yes Yes Yes No Humana Plan A $245.94 $0 Yes Yes No No Humana Plan B $267.50 $0 Yes Yes Yes No Humana Plan K $135.89 $0 Yes Yes (partial) Yes (partial) No Humana Plan L $196.05 $0 Yes Yes Yes No We were impressed with Humana’s health coverage options, especially since you could snag a 6 percent discount just for signing up online. From Medigap and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans to dental and vision insurance, Humana offers it all. We found Humana’s website easy to navigate, and comparing plans and pricing was simple. Humana’s Medigap premiums are pretty high, however, especially compared to carriers like AARP.
» Learn About: Dental Insurance for Seniors
Ready to learn more about Humana Medicare supplement plans and coverage? Read our in-depth review of Humana Medigap plans.
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2. Anthem - Known for Varied Insurance Offerings
What we like most
- Optional Part D, dental, and vision
- Instant pricing and easy enrollment
- Free SilverSneakers fitness membership
AnthemOverview:Overview
Founded over 75 years ago, Anthem has a long history in the health and wellness sector. The industry leader is part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and serves over 40 million subscribers. Anthem offers many ways to combine insurance options to provide cancer patients with whole-body health care. In addition to offering benefit-rich Medigap plans G and N, Anthem members have the opportunity to add on prescription drug coverage, vision, and dental plans.
» Shop For Plans: Best Vision Insurance for Seniors in 2024
Anthem Medigap Plans*
- Plan A
- Plan B
- Plan G
- Plan N
*For individuals first eligible for Medicare before 2020, Plan F is also available.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Anthem
- They offer Medicare Part D, vision, and dental coverage.
- Instant plan pricing is available.
- Enrollment is easy, since you can sign up online, by phone, by mail, or directly with an agent
- User-friendly prescription search tool
- 5 percent household discount and automatic bank withdrawal discount in some areas
- SilverSneakers fitness membership
Cons About Anthem
- Coverage available in only 14 states
- Plan options vary by ZIP code
Summary:Plans, Pricing, and Coverage
Anthem doesn’t have nearly as many Medigap options as Humana, but it still offers two plans that may be great options for cancer patients (plans G and N). We looked for plans available to 65-year-old applicants in Los Angeles, and here’s what we found:
Plan Monthly premium Annual deductible 365 extra days of hospital and coinsurance coverage Part B coinsurance or copay coverage Part A deductible coverage Part B deductible coverage Anthem Plan A $149.29 $0 Yes Yes No No Anthem Plan G $160.46 $0 Yes Yes Yes No Anthem Plan N $199.55 $0 Yes Yes, up to $20 copay for office visits and $50 for ER visits Yes No The biggest drawback to Anthem’s Medigap plans is that they aren’t as widely available as plans from Humana or Cigna. If their plans are available in your area, you could benefit from pretty affordable coverage and many of the same essential benefits as Medicare Supplement plans from other carriers. Plus, some Medigap plans from Anthem offer foreign travel emergency coverage, which offers up to $250 of coverage per year, plus 20 percent of any remaining costs.
» You Might Like: Senior Travel and Vacations
Anthem has Medicare recipients covered with Medigap, Medicare Part D, vision, and dental plans. If you’re weighing Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage plans, Anthem also offers Part C coverage (explore our Anthem Medicare Advantage review for comparison). Anthem’s Part D prescription search tool makes researching cancer medication coverage and costs stress-free. If you live in an area where Anthem is offered, the carrier is a solid contender for your health-care needs.
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3. Cigna - Best Customer Service
What we like most
- 24/7 health advocate support
- Extensive Wellness Library with cancer resources, treatment plans, and tests
- Up to 25% enrollment discount
CignaOverview:Overview
In business for over 225 years, Cigna is one of the nation’s oldest insurance carriers. Over 165 million customers rely on Cigna for their health insurance needs. Cigna takes service to the next level, offering 24/7 year-round support. In addition to real-time assistance for Medicare supplement plans, Cigna’s Health Information Line provides valuable phone access to health advocates. Cigna’s Part D plans are offered in all 50 states, giving cancer patients access to over 63,000 pharmacies and a drug formulary that covers over 3,000 medications.
Cigna Medigap Plans*
- Plan A
- Plan G
- High-Deductible Plan G
- Plan N
*For individuals first eligible for Medicare before 2020, Plan F and High-Deductible Plan F are also available.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Cigna
- 24/7 phone access to a health advocate
- Wellness Library has extensive information on types of cancer, treatment options, and medical tests
- 22 U.S. service centers available 24/7 year-round for customer assistance
- Up to a 25 percent enrollment discount
- Offers multiple Part D prescription drug plans
Cons About Cigna
- Plan premium and online-enrollment discounts are not available in all states
- Medigap plans are not available in all ZIP codes
Summary:Plans, Pricing, and Coverage
Cigna offers three primary Medigap plans for beneficiaries who became eligible in 2020 or later, as well as the High-Deductible Plan G option. That gives it a slight leg up over Anthem, but it still offers far fewer plans than Humana. We researched Cigna Medigap quotes for 65-year-old applicants in Los Angeles. Here are the results:
Plan Monthly premium Annual deductible 365 extra days of hospital and coinsurance coverage Part B coinsurance or copay coverage Part A deductible coverage Part B deductible coverage Cigna Plan G $156.17 $0 Yes Yes Yes No Cigna High-Deductible Plan G $56.83 $2,800 Yes Yes Yes No Cigna Plan A $143.68 $0 Yes Yes Yes No Cigna Plan N $126.70 $0 Yes Yes, up to $20 copay for office visits and $50 for ER visits Yes No *The premiums shown above include the online-enrollment discounts. Your actual premiums may vary based on your location and enrollment method.
The enrollment discounts give Cigna a competitive edge, especially compared to higher-premium carriers such as Humana and Mutual of Omaha. Like Anthem, Cigna offers a $250 foreign travel emergency benefit (plus 20 percent of remaining care), which can be used up to a lifetime maximum of $50,000. It’s a great option for Medicare beneficiaries who are being treated for cancer but still want the opportunity to travel without the fear of unexpected medical costs.
With over two centuries in the industry, Cigna is a health-care trailblazer. In addition to their Medigap plans with extensive coverage, Cigna provides outstanding customer and health advocate support. Cancer patients have access to Cigna’s Wellness Library, filled with information on cancer diagnosis and treatments. Visit our review of Cigna’s Medigap plans for an in-depth look at plan offerings, cost, and how to enroll.
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4. Mutual of Omaha - Known for Online Experience
What we like most
- Fast claims fulfillment
- Up to 12 percent household discount
- Guaranteed renewal
Mutual of OmahaOverview:Overview
For more than a century, Mutual of Omaha has delivered health and financial solutions to customers across the United States. Since Medicare’s launch in 1966, Mutual of Omaha has also provided Medigap insurance to older adults. The well-known carrier offers comprehensive options for individuals with cancer, including Medigap plans G and N, along with Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.
Mutual of Omaha Medigap Plans*
- Plan A
- Plan D
- Plan G
- High-Deductible Plan G
- Plan N
*For individuals first eligible for Medicare before 2020, Plan C, Plan F, and High-Deductible Plan F are also available.
Pros & Cons:Pros About Mutual of Omaha
- User-friendly website, with instant plan pricing available
- Pays 98 percent of Medicare claims within 12 hours
- Prescription drug plan, with comprehensive coverage and a robust drug list
- Dental, life insurance, and long-term care insurance plans
- Up to a 12 percent household discount in most states
- Discounts for vision and hearing
Cons About Mutual of Omaha
- Not available in Massachusetts
- Best rates are only accessible with household discount
Summary:Plans, Pricing, and Coverage
Mutual of Omaha’s online plan comparison tool makes it easy to see which Medigap plan is right for you. It’s also one of the few carriers that offers a big household discount for applicants with partners, spouses, or other relatives who are 60 or older and intend to enroll in a Medigap plan. We researched quotes for 65-year-old applicants in Los Angeles (without the household discount), and here’s what we found:
Plan Monthly premium* Annual deductible 365 extra days of hospital and coinsurance coverage Part B coinsurance or copay coverage Part A deductible coverage Part B deductible coverage Mutual of Omaha Plan G $186.99 $0 Yes Yes Yes No Mutual of Omaha High-Deductible Plan G $62.76 $2,800 Yes Yes Yes No Mutual of Omaha Plan N $139.05 $0 Yes Yes, up to $20 copay for office visits and $50 for ER visits Yes No Mutual of Omaha Plan A $159.69 $0 Yes Yes No No We really like that Mutual of Omaha provides a breakdown of each plan, including who it’s ideal for and what it covers. Mutual of Omaha’s Plan G, for instance, is best for seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries who prefer to pay up front, don’t mind a higher monthly premium, want to avoid out-of-pocket surprises, and need strong protection. That makes it easier to narrow down your options and find the plan that works best for your budget and your health.
» Save More: The Best Budgeting Apps for Seniors
Mutual of Omaha is a trusted Medigap carrier that consistently earns high marks. We were impressed with their dedication to client care and swift payment of Medicare claims. As a mutual company, Mutual of Omaha is owned by its policyholders, not Wall Street. Their premiums are higher than those we found from Cigna and AARP, however, so the plans are generally better if you can take advantage of the household discount. For a closer look at Mutual of Omaha’s Medigap plans, head to our Mutual of Omaha review.
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5. AARP - Known for Affordable Coverage
What we like most
- 5 percent household discount offered in most states
- Variety of plans available
- Health and wellness benefits
AARPOverview:Overview
Since 1958, AARP has been committed to ensuring older adults have control over how they live as they age. Two decades ago, they formed a partnership with UnitedHealthcare, one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States, to deliver an impressive range of benefits. Like Humana, AARP from UnitedHealthcare offers comprehensive options for individuals with cancer, including Medigap plans G and N, along with Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.
AARP Medigap Plans from UnitedHealthcare*
- Plan A
- Plan B
- Plan D
- Plan G
- Plan K
- Plan L
- Plan N
*For individuals first eligible for Medicare before 2020, Plan C and Plan F are also available.
Pros & Cons:Pros About AARP
- Instant plan pricing available
- Wide range of Medigap plans offered
- Impressive enrollment discount of up to 39 percent
- Prescription drug plan includes most generic and commonly used name-brand drugs covered by Medicare Part D
- The only Medicare Supplement plans backed by AARP
- Discounts for vision, dental, and hearing
- AARP website is filled with housing, health, and financial resources
Cons About AARP
- AARP membership is required ($16 annual membership fee)
- Plan pricing and availability vary by location
Summary:Plans, Pricing, and Coverage
Just like Humana, AARP offers nine of the 10 Medicare Supplement plans, two of which are limited based on the applicant’s date of Medicare eligibility. Like every carrier on this list, however, pricing and availability is dependent on the beneficiary’s location. We researched quotes for 65-year-old applicants in Los Angeles, and here’s what we discovered:
Plan Monthly premium Annual deductible 365 extra days of hospital and coinsurance coverage Part B coinsurance or copay coverage Part A deductible coverage Part B deductible coverage AARP Plan G $129.03 $0 Yes Yes Yes No AARP Plan N $130.09 $0 Yes Yes, up to $20 copay for office visits and $50 for ER visits Yes No AARP Plan K $59.84 $0 Yes Yes (Partial) Yes (Partial) No AARP Plan L $107.44 $0 Yes Yes Yes No AARP Plan A $115.99 $0 Yes Yes No No AARP Plan B $162.58 $0 Yes Yes Yes No Premiums vary a lot by location, but AARP offers some of the lowest premiums of any carrier on this list. We would have liked to see a High-Deductible Plan G, like the plans offered through Humana, Cigna, and Mutual of Omaha, but AARP’s Plan K still provides a solid option for budget-conscious Medicare beneficiaries. As an added bonus, AARP stands out for its wellness extras, which include a variety of discounts on dental, vision, and hearing care, as well as free gym memberships.
Quick Tip: Not an AARP member? Visit our guide to AARP membership for all the details on benefits and signing up.
With nearly 38 million members, older adults trust AARP for good reason. Their wide range of plans, discounts, and experience serving adults make AARP Medigap plans from UnitedHealthcare a strong contender. We were pleased with the transparency of prescription pricing. With their prescription cost estimator, pricing common cancer drugs was straightforward. Visit our UnitedHealthcare Medigap review to learn more about the carrier.
When Is the Best Time to Sign Up for a Medigap Plan?
The month you turn 65, your Medigap six-month open-enrollment period begins. During that time, you cannot be charged a higher premium or denied coverage due to a pre-existing health condition (including cancer).
Did You Know? The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services provides an in-depth guide to Medicare coverage of cancer treatment services.
Enrolling after your six-month open-enrollment period has ended may be a risk, since your cancer diagnosis may negatively affect your Medigap application. You may face a late-enrollment penalty, incur a higher monthly premium, or be denied Medigap coverage altogether.
» Learn More: Medicare-Medicaid Enrollment
Do Cancer Patients Need a Medigap Plan?
A recent study reported that cancer patients with only Medicare coverage face hefty out-of-pocket costs for treatment, spending nearly one-quarter of their household incomes on average.
Medigap plans won’t completely eliminate treatment costs, but they can ease the burden, covering out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered by Original Medicare. Before accepting any cancer treatments, it’s crucial to verify that the doctor, clinician, or group accepts Medicare. That ensures your Medicare and Medicare supplemental insurance will be properly applied.
Pro Tip: Looking to compare other top Medigap carriers? Visit our list of the best Medigap carriers for older adults.
Sadly, unexpected medical expenses are one of the leading causes of personal bankruptcy. Research published in the American Journal of Public Health found that over 66 percent of personal bankruptcy is due to medical debt.
» Money Management: Getting Out of Debt
If you’re worried about paying off debts, including mounting medical debt during your retirement years, watch the video featuring our editor-in-chief, Jeff Hoyt.
Medicare Advantage Plans for Cancer Treatment Coverage
Medicare beneficiaries can’t combine a Medigap plan with a Medicare Advantage plan, so it’s important to consider which option is best for covering cancer treatment. Each option comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. Medigap lowers out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, coinsurances, and copays, for example, but it doesn’t pay directly for care. Medigap also doesn’t include Part D, so you’ll need to get a stand-alone Part D plan if you want coverage for prescription medications.
Alternatively, Medicare Advantage (Part C) typically means higher out-of-pocket costs, but many Part C plans have low or no premiums and deductibles. Many Medicare Advantage plans also include Part D as a benefit, so you don’t have to pay for a separate PDP.
» Compare the Costs: Medicare Advantage Costs
That means you’ll need to consider what costs you the most when it comes to cancer treatment. If you want greater cost stability via reduced out-of-pocket expenses, Medigap may be the better option. On the other hand, if you anticipate high prescription drug costs and want to potentially minimize your monthly premiums and deductibles, Medicare Advantage may be the better choice.
» Find a Plan: Best Medicare Advantage Plans
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I get Medigap if I have cancer?
Yes, you can get Medigap if you have cancer, but you’ll need to make sure you enroll during the initial open-enrollment period. If you wait too long or have a lapse in coverage, you could be denied a new plan.
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Which Medicare Supplement plan has the highest level of coverage?
Plan F has the highest level of coverage, but it is only available to beneficiaries who became eligible before 2020. Plan G offers the highest level of coverage to beneficiaries who became eligible after Jan. 1, 2020.
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What is the downside to Medigap?
The biggest downside to Medigap is that you have to add an additional premium on top of the premium you pay for Original Medicare. The Medigap plan may reduce many out-of-pocket costs, however, potentially offsetting the Medigap premium.
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Is Plan G better than Medicare Advantage?
It depends on your needs. Plan G is typically better if you want to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses. Medicare Advantage may be better if you want a plan that includes Part D, as well as some dental, vision, and hearing coverage (although benefits vary by carrier and plan type).
Oxford. (2019). Cancer Risk Among Older Adults: Time for Cancer Prevention to Go Silver.
Johns Hopkins. (2016). Medicare Beneficiaries Face High Out-of-Pocket Costs for Cancer Treatment.
Medicare.gov. (2021). How to compare Medigap policies.
Cancer.org. (2021). Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage.
AARP. (2021). About AARP.
Medical Xpress. (2021). Uninsured cancer patients 60-64 face worse outcomes than Medicare beneficiaries aged 66-69.
AJPH. (2019). Medical Bankruptcy: Still Common Despite the Affordable Care Act.