How to Switch from Medigap Plan F to Plan G Without Underwriting

Disclaimer: This article is for general educational and informational purposes only. Medicare rules, Medigap availability, and switching rights vary by state and insurer and can change over time. Always confirm your options directly with Medicare (1‑800‑MEDICARE), your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), and a licensed insurance professional before making coverage decisions. This is not legal, tax, or individualized insurance advice.

1. Understanding Plan F vs. Plan G: What’s Changing and Why #

If you’re thinking about moving from Medigap Plan F to Plan G, you’re not alone. Many people are considering this switch because Plan F is no longer available to newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries, while Plan G remains widely offered and often more competitively priced.

What Plan F covers #

Medigap Plan F is one of the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement plans. For people who still have it, it typically covers:

• Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
• Part B coinsurance or copayments
• Blood (first 3 pints)
• Part A hospice care coinsurance or copay
• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
• Part A deductible
• Part B deductible
• Part B excess charges
• 80% of foreign travel emergency care (up to plan limits)

Because Plan F covers the Part B deductible, many people experience almost no out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-approved services.

What Plan G covers (and how it differs) #

Plan G is almost identical to Plan F with one key difference: it does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible.

Plan G typically covers:

• Everything Plan F covers except the Part B deductible

That means:

• You pay the Medicare Part B deductible out of pocket each year.
• After you meet that deductible, Plan G generally works the same way Plan F does for Medicare-approved services.

For many people, the annual premium savings on Plan G is more than the Part B deductible they’ll pay, which is why the switch can be attractive.

Why Plan F is “closed” to new enrollees #

As of January 1, 2020, people who became newly eligible for Medicare can no longer buy Plan F (or Plan C). Congress made this change because these plans cover the Part B deductible, and lawmakers wanted all beneficiaries to have some initial out-of-pocket responsibility.

Key points:

• If you were eligible for Medicare before 1/1/2020, you can generally keep or still buy Plan F (subject to underwriting).
• If you were first eligible for Medicare on or after 1/1/2020, you cannot buy Plan F at all.

Because no one newly eligible can enter Plan F, its risk pool may age and shrink over time, which can put upward pressure on premiums. That’s another reason many people are looking at Plan G.

2. Can You Switch from Medigap Plan F to Plan G Without Underwriting? #

The core issue is whether an insurance company can ask health questions and use your medical history to decide:

• Whether to accept you
• What premium to charge you
• Whether to impose waiting periods for preexisting conditions (where allowed)

This process is called medical underwriting.

In most cases, if you want to switch from one Medigap plan to another after your initial Medigap open enrollment period has ended:

• The insurer can require underwriting, unless:
  • You qualify for a federal guaranteed issue right, or
  • You’re using a state-specific rule that gives you a right to switch without underwriting.

So, the honest answer is:

• Sometimes you can switch from Plan F to Plan G without underwriting.
• Often, you cannot, and you will be subject to health questions and possible denial unless you meet a specific protection.

The rest of this article focuses on identifying the situations where underwriting can be avoided and what to do if you don’t qualify.

3. When Guaranteed Issue Rights Let You Change Medigap Plans #

Guaranteed issue rights (also called “Medigap protections”) are specific situations where companies must:

• Sell you a Medigap policy
• Cover all your preexisting conditions
• Not charge you more due to past or present health problems

These rights are set by federal law and apply in all states that offer Medigap, though details can vary.

Common federal guaranteed issue situations #

You may have a guaranteed issue right when:

1. Your Medicare Advantage Plan is leaving Medicare, stops serving your area, or you move out of its service area.

   • You often have a limited window (usually 63 days after coverage ends) to buy certain Medigap plans without underwriting.

2. You have Original Medicare and employer group coverage (including retiree or union coverage) that is ending.

   • When that coverage ends, you may have guaranteed issue rights to buy a Medigap plan.

3. You joined a Medicare Advantage Plan when you were first eligible and want to switch back to Original Medicare within the first 12 months (trial right).

   • You generally have a right to buy certain Medigap plans without underwriting.

4. You dropped a Medigap policy to join a Medicare Advantage Plan (or a Medicare SELECT policy) for the first time and want to switch back within 12 months.

   • You may have a right to get your old Medigap policy back or buy another one without health questions.

5. Your Medigap insurer goes bankrupt or misleads you.

   • You may qualify for guaranteed issue rights to purchase another Medigap plan.

Do guaranteed issue rights specifically allow switching from Plan F to Plan G? #

Federal guaranteed issue rules typically guarantee access to certain standard plans, often including:

• Plan A
• Plan B
• Plan C or F (for those eligible for Medicare before 1/1/2020)
• Plan D or G (for those newly eligible on or after 1/1/2020)

However, the exact list can depend on the situation and on whether you were eligible for Medicare before or after 1/1/2020.

If you already have Plan F and want to move to Plan G, you’ll need to check:

• Whether your specific guaranteed issue right allows you to choose any available Medigap plan, or
• Whether it’s limited to certain “core” plans in your state.

Because this is nuanced and can change, always verify with:

• 1‑800‑MEDICARE
• Your local SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program)
• A licensed agent familiar with your state’s rules

Timing is critical #

Guaranteed issue rights are almost always time-limited. Common timeframes:

• 63 days from the date your other coverage ends
• 63 days from the date you are notified it will end

If you miss the window, you typically lose the guaranteed issue protection and would then be subject to underwriting for plan changes.

4. State-Specific Rules That Allow Medigap Switching #

Beyond federal rights, some states have passed their own Medigap protections. These can create extra opportunities to switch from Plan F to Plan G without underwriting.

While rules change and details matter, here are examples of state-level protections as of recent years (you must verify current rules):

States with some form of Medigap “birthday rule” #

Several states have a “birthday rule” or similar window each year allowing Medigap changes without medical questions. Examples have included:

• California
• Oregon
• Idaho
• Illinois (limited to equal or lesser benefits, and age-based rules)
• Nevada
• Louisiana
• Others may add similar rules over time

Typical features (vary by state):

• You get a window (often 30–60 days) starting on your birthday each year.
• You may switch to another Medigap plan of equal or lesser benefits with any carrier.
• No medical underwriting is allowed during that window.

In a birthday-rule state, this often means you can switch from Plan F to Plan G with no health questions, as long as:

• Plan G is considered equal or lesser coverage under your state’s rule, and
• You apply during your allowed window.

States with continuous or annual Medigap switching rights #

Some states have broader protections, such as:

• Allowing Medigap switching at any time or during specified annual windows without underwriting.
• Restricting or prohibiting medical underwriting for Medigap altogether.

Examples have historically included:

• New York
• Connecticut
• Maine (specific rules and windows)
• Massachusetts (standardized plans and protections)
• Others may have unique protections by age or plan type.

In these states, switching from Plan F to Plan G may be possible without underwriting at any time or during specific windows.

Why you must verify current state rules #

State laws are updated, new protections are added, and insurers can implement rules differently. Before assuming you can switch without underwriting:

1. Call your State Department of Insurance or visit its website.
2. Contact your local SHIP program.
3. Ask a licensed agent who regularly works with Medigap in your state.

Get confirmation in writing or from an official source whenever possible.

5. Step-by-Step Process to Switch from Plan F to Plan G #

Here’s a practical roadmap to follow, whether or not you expect underwriting.

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility for a no-underwriting switch #

• Identify whether you currently have a federal guaranteed issue right.
• Check if your state has:
  • A birthday rule
  • Annual switching rights
  • Continuous open enrollment for Medigap
• Confirm the specific dates and plan options allowed.

If you don’t have a guaranteed right, expect to answer health questions.

Step 2: Compare Plan G options in your area #

• Use the Medicare Plan Finder or Medicare’s Medigap search tool, if available.
• Request quotes from multiple insurers for Plan G.
• Ask whether the company:
  • Uses attained-age, issue-age, or community-rated pricing.
  • Offers household discounts or other savings.

Make sure you’re comparing plans with the same letter (G), since benefits are standardized by letter.

Step 3: Ask explicitly about underwriting #

When you speak with an agent or insurer, ask:

• “Will I have to go through medical underwriting to switch from my current Plan F to this Plan G?”
• “Are you honoring any state rules or guaranteed issue protections in my situation?”
• “Can you email or mail me confirmation of whether underwriting applies?”

If underwriting is required, ask which conditions or medications typically cause declines or higher rates.

Step 4: Apply for the new Plan G first #

Never cancel your existing Plan F until:

• Your Plan G application has been approved, and
• You have received written confirmation of your acceptance and effective date.

When applying:

• Provide accurate medical history and medication lists.
• Be ready for a possible phone interview or follow-up questions.
• Ask how long approval usually takes.

Step 5: Coordinate effective dates to avoid gaps or overlaps #

You generally want:

• Your new Plan G to start the same day your Plan F ends, or
• Very minimal overlap (for example, both active for a few days in the same month).

Once you have your Plan G approval and effective date:

• Contact the Plan F carrier and request termination effective the day before Plan G starts (or as close as allowed).
• Get written confirmation of the cancellation date.

Step 6: Review your first few medical bills carefully #

After switching:

• Confirm that:
  • Medicare paid its share first.
  • Plan G picked up the correct portion.
  • You are responsible only for the Part B deductible and any non-covered services.

If something looks off, contact the provider, the Medigap plan, or Medicare for clarification.

6. How to Compare Plan G Options and Premiums #

Because Medigap benefits are standardized, Plan G from one company covers the same core benefits as Plan G from another. The differences come down to:

• Monthly premium
• Rate structure and rate increases over time
• Company reputation and service
• Discounts and underwriting classes

Key comparison factors #

1. Premium vs. Part B deductible savings

   • Estimate your annual premium for Plan F vs. Plan G.
   • Subtract the Part B deductible from your potential premium savings.
   • If you’ll still save money after paying the deductible, Plan G may be financially attractive.

2. Pricing method

   • Attained-age rated: premiums increase as you age.
   • Issue-age rated: based on your age when you first buy the policy (may still increase for other reasons).
   • Community-rated: everyone in a given area pays roughly the same premium, regardless of age.

3. Rate increase history

   • Ask each insurer for its historical rate increases for Plan G and Plan F in your area.
   • While past performance doesn’t guarantee the future, it gives context.

4. Company stability and service

   • Look for:
     • Financial strength ratings from agencies like AM Best (where available).
     • Customer service reviews and complaint records, for example via your state insurance department.

5. Household or spousal discounts

   • Many carriers offer 5%–12% discounts when:
     • Two people in the same household enroll, or
     • Certain conditions are met.
   • Confirm whether discounts continue if one spouse changes plans or leaves the policy.

7. Common Pitfalls When Switching Medigap Plans #

Avoiding a few mistakes can protect your coverage and your wallet.

Pitfall 1: Cancelling Plan F too early #

If you drop Plan F before Plan G is approved:

• You could be left without any Medigap coverage.
• Getting back into a Medigap plan later might require underwriting and could be more difficult.

Always keep Plan F active until you have Plan G approval and an effective date in writing.

Pitfall 2: Misunderstanding state or guaranteed issue rules #

Assuming you have a right to switch without underwriting when you don’t can lead to:

• Unexpected denials
• Higher premiums
• Gaps in coverage

Double-check rules with Medicare, SHIP, and your state insurance department, not just marketing materials.

Pitfall 3: Focusing only on the first-year premium #

A low initial premium is attractive, but:

• Consider the rate increase pattern.
• Ask how often and by how much the company typically raises rates.

Sometimes a slightly higher starting premium from a more stable carrier can cost less over several years.

Pitfall 4: Overlooking the Part B deductible #

Plan G doesn’t cover the Part B deductible. Some people:

• Switch to Plan G
• Forget to account for the deductible in their budgeting
• Are surprised by bills early in the year

Include the deductible in your annual cost comparison.

Pitfall 5: Assuming all Plan Gs are different #

Within the same state, benefits for Plan G are standardized by law. What differs is:

• Price
• Service
• Company policies

Don’t pay more for Plan G just because a brand sounds familiar, unless you have a clear reason.

8. Alternatives If You Don’t Qualify to Switch Without Underwriting #

If you’re outside any guaranteed issue or state-protected window and underwriting is required, you still have options.

Option 1: Apply anyway and see if you’re approved #

Many people with stable, well-managed conditions are approved for Plan G through underwriting. Even if:

• You take several medications, or
• You have common chronic conditions like controlled hypertension or diabetes,

You might still qualify, depending on the company’s guidelines.

You can always stay on Plan F if you’re declined, as long as you haven’t cancelled it.

Option 2: Look at different carriers or underwriting guidelines #

Underwriting rules vary:

• One insurer may decline certain conditions.
• Another may accept them but at a higher rate or with a different rating class.

A knowledgeable, independent agent can help match your health profile with carriers more likely to approve you.

Option 3: Consider keeping Plan F for now #

If:

• Your health is not favorable for underwriting, or
• Plan F’s premium is still manageable,

Staying on Plan F may be the most practical choice for the moment. You can revisit switching if:

• Your state adds new protections, or
• Your circumstances change (for example, you gain a new guaranteed issue right).

Option 4: Evaluate Medicare Advantage (with caution) #

Switching from Medigap to a Medicare Advantage Plan is a major change:

• Advantage plans often have lower or zero premiums but use provider networks and prior authorization.
• They have an annual out-of-pocket maximum, unlike Original Medicare alone.

However, if you drop Medigap and later want to come back:

• You may face underwriting, and
• You may not be able to get a Medigap policy again, depending on your health and state rules.

Don’t leave a Medigap plan for Advantage solely to avoid underwriting without understanding the long-term trade-offs.

9. Working with Agents and Carriers to Secure Your New Plan #

The people you work with can make the process smoother and help you avoid costly mistakes.

Choosing the right type of agent #

You’ll typically encounter:

• Captive agents: Represent one insurance company.
• Independent/broker agents: Represent multiple companies and can compare plans for you.

For Medigap switching, an independent agent often provides broader options, but competence and transparency matter more than labels.

Questions to ask any agent #

• “How many Medigap carriers do you represent in my state?”
• “What is your experience with switching people from Plan F to Plan G?”
• “Can you explain my state’s rules and any guaranteed issue rights I might have?”
• “Will I have to go through underwriting? If so, what conditions are commonly declined?”

Ask for explanations in plain language, and don’t hesitate to request written summaries.

Verifying information #

Even trustworthy agents can make mistakes. To protect yourself:

• Cross-check key points with:
  • 1‑800‑MEDICARE
  • Your SHIP counselor
  • Your state insurance department website
• Ask your agent to send you:
  • A copy of the application before you sign
  • A summary of the effective date and premium

Never sign incomplete forms or allow anyone to misstate your health history.

10. Key Takeaways Before You Change from Plan F to Plan G #

Before you make the switch, keep these core points in mind:

• Plan G is almost the same as Plan F, except you pay the Part B deductible yourself.
• You may save money overall if your premium savings exceed the Part B deductible.
• Switching without underwriting is only possible if:
  • You qualify for a federal guaranteed issue right, or
  • Your state offers special Medigap switching protections (such as a birthday rule or continuous open enrollment).
• Most people outside those protections will face underwriting when switching from Plan F to Plan G.
• Always apply for Plan G first, wait for written approval, and then cancel Plan F to avoid coverage gaps.
• Confirm all rules and options with:
  • Medicare (1‑800‑MEDICARE)
  • Your local SHIP
  • A licensed insurance professional familiar with your state.

Taking a methodical approach helps you reduce costs while maintaining strong coverage and avoiding unpleasant surprises.

FAQ #

Can I switch from Medigap Plan F to Plan G without medical underwriting? #

You may be able to switch without underwriting if you qualify for a guaranteed issue right or live in a state with special Medigap switching rules. Otherwise, insurers can require medical underwriting.

What are guaranteed issue rights for Medigap plans? #

Guaranteed issue rights are protections that allow you to buy certain Medigap plans without health questions, denials, or higher premiums due to preexisting conditions in specific situations. These rights are time-limited and tied to events like losing other coverage, moving out of a plan’s service area, or using a trial right with Medicare Advantage.

Does every state let me change Medigap plans without underwriting? #

No, only some states offer annual or continuous Medigap switching rights without underwriting, and the rules vary by state and sometimes by age or plan type. You should check with your state insurance department, SHIP, or a licensed agent to understand your specific state’s protections.

Will I lose coverage if my switch from Plan F to Plan G is denied? #

If you cancel Plan F before Plan G is approved, you could be left without Medigap coverage. To avoid this, keep your current Plan F active until your new Plan G is confirmed in writing with an effective date.

Is Medigap Plan G cheaper than Plan F? #

Plan G usually has lower premiums than Plan F because it does not cover the Part B deductible. However, actual costs vary by insurer, age, location, rating method, and underwriting class, so you should compare quotes and consider both premiums and the Part B deductible when evaluating overall costs.