Medicare 2026

Switching Medigap Policies: How the 30-Day Free Look Works and How to Avoid a Coverage Gap

If you already have a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policy and you're thinking about changing to a different one, you have options — but the rules are different from switching a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan during fall Open Enrollment. Medigap has its own timing, its own protections, and a built-in "test drive" window. Here's a plain-English walk-through so you can switch thoughtfully and not end up without coverage in between.

Why people switch

Common reasons include paying for benefits you don't actually use, needing more benefits than your current policy offers, wanting to change insurance companies, or looking for a policy that costs less. Any of these can be a legitimate reason to shop — but before you apply, it helps to know what protections you have and what you don't.

When you can switch without medical underwriting

Federal law gives you the strongest Medigap rights during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts when you're 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During that window, insurers must sell you any Medigap policy they offer at their best available rate, regardless of your health.

Outside that window, you can usually apply for a different Medigap policy any time, but the insurer can look at your health history and decide whether to accept you, charge more, or decline. The exception is a "guaranteed-issue" right, which applies in specific situations (for example, certain involuntary losses of other coverage). If you think one of those situations applies to you, confirm the details at Medicare.gov before you apply.

The application rule: you must promise to cancel

When you apply for a new Medigap policy, you must promise on the application to cancel your first policy. In fact, it's illegal for anyone to sell you a second Medigap policy unless you state in writing that you plan to cancel the one you already have. One Medigap policy at a time is the rule — but the law still gives you a short window where both can overlap on purpose, which is where the free look comes in.

The 30-day free look

Every Medigap policy comes with a 30-day free look period. Here's how it works:

• The 30 days start when you receive the new policy.
• During that time, you can return the new policy for a full refund of any premiums you paid.
• Federal Medigap standards require that a policy can be returned for a full refund of premiums paid during a period of at least 30 days after it is issued.
• You'll pay premiums for both policies for the month that you hold both. That's the trade-off that protects you from going without coverage.

CMS advises keeping your first Medigap policy in place until you've decided to keep the second. Ask the new insurer to make the new policy take effect when the old one ends, and make sure the old coverage doesn't end until you've had the new policy for at least 30 days. That way, if the new policy isn't what you expected, you can cancel it and still have your original coverage.

Pre-existing conditions when switching

If you've had your current Medigap policy for more than 6 months, and the new policy has the same benefits as your current one, the new insurer cannot refuse to cover a pre-existing condition or make you wait. If the new policy includes a benefit your current policy doesn't have, the insurer can make you wait up to 6 months before covering that specific new benefit. Knowing this up front helps you avoid surprises.

A special warning about older policies

If you have an older Medigap policy that's no longer sold and you buy a new one, you must cancel the old policy (except during the 30-day free look). Once you cancel an older, discontinued policy, you cannot get it back. If your current policy has features that matter to you, think carefully before letting it go.

Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage — a neutral note

Some people reconsider the whole picture rather than just swapping one Medigap policy for another. Original Medicare paired with a Medigap policy and a stand-alone Part D plan generally offers broad provider access and predictable out-of-pocket costs, in exchange for paying monthly Medigap and Part D premiums. Medicare Advantage bundles coverage and may include extra benefits, usually with network and prior-authorization rules. Neither approach is "better" — the right fit depends on your health, budget, providers, and preferences.

Program context for 2027

A few national Part D figures are already set for 2027: the Part D out-of-pocket cap will be $2,400 (up from $2,100 in 2026), the maximum Part D deductible any plan may charge is $700, and the base beneficiary premium used in the late-enrollment penalty is $41.33. Annual Enrollment for 2027 coverage runs October 15 – December 7, 2026, with changes effective January 1, 2027. Social Security announced a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment beginning January 2027. The 2027 Part B standard premium and deductible, and the IRMAA income brackets, have not yet been announced; CMS typically releases them in the fall.

If you have Medicaid or Extra Help, since 2025 you have a monthly Special Enrollment Period to move to Original Medicare with a stand-alone Part D plan or to switch stand-alone Part D plans, and full-benefit dual-eligible individuals can join an integrated D-SNP in any month.

Where can you get help with Medicare questions?

For official details on Medigap rules, guaranteed-issue rights, and plan information in your area, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Taking a little time to confirm the rules before you apply — and using the 30-day free look as it's meant to be used — is the surest way to switch Medigap policies without leaving yourself exposed.