What Is Medicare Supplement Plan F?
Medicare Supplement Plan F is the most comprehensive Medigap plan ever offered — covering every single gap in Original Medicare including the Part B deductible and Part B excess charges. For more than 35 years it was the most popular Medicare Supplement plan in the country, chosen by more than half of all Medigap enrollees.
⚠ Important: Plan F Has an Enrollment Restriction
Plan F is only available to people who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If your 65th birthday was on or before December 31, 2019 — or you qualified for Medicare due to disability before 2020 — you can still enroll in Plan F where it’s offered.
If you became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, Plan F is not available to you. Plan G is the closest alternative — it’s nearly identical to Plan F, covering everything except the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026). Learn more about Plan G →
✓ Already have Plan F? If you currently hold a Plan F policy, you can keep it for life as long as you continue paying premiums. Plan F is not being discontinued for existing enrollees — only closed to new enrollees who first became eligible for Medicare after 2020.
Key takeaway: Plan F covers every Medicare gap — the Part A deductible, Part B deductible, Part B coinsurance, excess charges, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and even 80% of foreign travel emergencies. It’s the only Medigap plan that covers the Part B deductible, which is $283 in 2026.
What Does Plan F Cover?
Plan F is the only standardized Medigap plan that covers 100% of all Medicare-approved out-of-pocket costs — leaving you with zero out-of-pocket expenses for any Medicare-covered service, other than your monthly premiums.
✓ Covered by Plan F
- Medicare Part A hospital coinsurance & costs up to an additional 365 days
- Medicare Part A deductible ($1,736 per benefit period in 2026)
- Medicare Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
- Medicare Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) ← unique to Plan F
- Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments (20%)
- Medicare Part B excess charges ← unique to Plan F & Plan G
- First 3 pints of blood
- Foreign travel emergency care (80% of covered costs after $250 deductible)
✗ Not Covered by Plan F
- Prescription drugs (requires separate Part D plan)
- Dental care
- Vision care
- Hearing aids
- Long-term custodial care
- Services not covered by Original Medicare
Need drug coverage? Pair Plan F with a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. A NISONA advisor can help you compare Part D options based on your specific medications.
2026 Plan F Benefits at a Glance
| Benefit |
Plan F Pays |
You Pay |
| Part A hospital coinsurance (days 61–90) |
100% |
$0 |
| Part A hospital lifetime reserve days (days 91–150) |
100% |
$0 |
| Part A deductible ($1,736 per benefit period) |
100% |
$0 |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance (days 21–100) |
100% |
$0 |
| Part B deductible ($283/year) ← Plan F unique |
100% |
$0 |
| Part B coinsurance or copayment (20%) |
100% |
$0 |
| Part B excess charges |
100% |
$0 |
| Blood (first 3 pints) |
100% |
$0 |
| Hospice care coinsurance or copayments |
100% |
$0 |
| Foreign travel emergency (after $250 deductible, up to lifetime limit) |
80% |
20% + $250 |
Plan F vs. Plan G — The Critical Comparison
Plan F and Plan G are nearly identical — with one important difference. Understanding this difference is essential to deciding whether staying on Plan F or switching to Plan G makes financial sense for you.
| Benefit |
Plan F |
Plan G |
| Part A deductible |
✓ Covered |
✓ Covered |
| Part B coinsurance (20%) |
✓ Covered |
✓ Covered |
| Part B excess charges |
✓ Covered |
✓ Covered |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance |
✓ Covered |
✓ Covered |
| Foreign travel emergency |
✓ Covered |
✓ Covered |
| Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) |
✓ Covered |
✗ Not Covered |
The Math: Is Plan F Worth the Higher Premium?
The only difference between Plan F and Plan G is that Plan F covers the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026). However, Plan F premiums are almost always more than $283/year higher than Plan G premiums for the same person at the same carrier — sometimes $400–$800+ more per year.
This means most Plan F enrollees are paying extra each month to avoid a $283 annual deductible — a trade that rarely makes financial sense. Additionally, because Plan F is a closed risk pool (no new younger enrollees since 2020), the average age of Plan F policyholders rises each year, which tends to push premiums higher over time.
Already on Plan F? It’s worth reviewing your current premium against Plan G rates each year. If you’re in good health, you may be able to switch to Plan G and pocket the premium difference — which for many Florida seniors is several hundred dollars per year. A NISONA advisor can run that comparison for you at no cost.
High Deductible Plan F
Plan F also has a high-deductible version — offering the same comprehensive coverage as standard Plan F but at a significantly lower monthly premium in exchange for a higher annual deductible.
Standard Plan F
- Higher monthly premium
- No deductible — Plan F pays from dollar one
- Zero out-of-pocket for Medicare-covered services
- Maximum predictability
Best for: Those who want absolute zero out-of-pocket costs
High Deductible Plan F
- Significantly lower monthly premium
- 2026 deductible: $2,950
- After deductible — same comprehensive coverage as standard Plan F
- Best for generally healthy seniors
Best for: Healthier seniors who rarely use medical services
Note: High Deductible Plan F is subject to the same eligibility restriction as standard Plan F — only available to those who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. For those first eligible after 2020, High Deductible Plan G is the equivalent option.
Is Plan F Right for You?
Plan F is the right choice for a specific type of Medicare beneficiary. Here’s how to think through whether it makes sense for your situation.
Plan F May Be Right If You…
- Were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020
- Have ongoing medical needs and use Medicare frequently
- Value the simplicity of zero out-of-pocket costs
- Want to see any doctor nationwide without referrals
- Currently have Plan F and your premium is competitive
Consider Plan G Instead If You…
- First became eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020
- Are currently on Plan F and your premium has risen significantly
- Are in good health and rarely use medical services
- Want to save money — Plan G is almost always the better value
- Want to join a plan with a healthier risk pool and slower premium growth
Free plan review: If you’re currently on Plan F and wondering whether it still makes sense, or if you’re comparing Plan F vs. Plan G, a NISONA advisor can run a side-by-side rate comparison for your specific age and county — at no cost and no obligation. Call 772-770-0700 or contact us online.
How to Enroll in Plan F in Florida
If you’re eligible for Plan F and want to enroll, here’s what you need to know about the process and timing.
1
Confirm Your Eligibility
Verify that your Medicare eligibility date was before January 1, 2020. Check your Medicare card or your Social Security records for your coverage start date.
2
Enroll During Your Open Enrollment Period
The best time to enroll is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period — starts the month you’re both 65+ and enrolled in Part B. During this window, no insurer can deny you coverage or charge more based on your health. After this window, medical underwriting applies.
3
Compare Rates from Multiple Carriers
Because Plan F benefits are identical across all carriers (it’s standardized), price is the primary differentiator. Rates vary significantly between insurers for the same plan in the same county. A NISONA advisor compares every carrier offering Plan F in your area simultaneously.
4
Apply and Get Covered
Once you’ve selected a carrier, the application is straightforward. Coverage typically begins the first of the following month. Your NISONA advisor handles the paperwork and keeps you updated throughout the process.
Already past your Open Enrollment Period? If you’re outside the guaranteed-issue window, you can still apply for Plan F — but insurers can use medical underwriting. Some health conditions may result in a higher premium or denial. Contact a NISONA advisor to understand your options before applying, including whether switching from Plan F to Plan G makes more sense.
Compare Plan F Rates — Free, No Obligation
Whether you’re enrolling for the first time or reviewing an existing Plan F policy, NISONA compares rates from every carrier available in your Florida county — giving you the most competitive rate for the same comprehensive coverage.
Our service is completely free and 100% unbiased. Discover the difference of having NISONA on your side.
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