Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap: How to Choose
By the Silverpoint Insurance advisory team · Updated September 23, 2026
The short answer
Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare with a private plan that usually has lower premiums, a provider network and extras like dental or OTC benefits. Medigap works alongside Original Medicare to cover out-of-pocket costs, usually with a higher premium but fewer bills and any doctor that accepts Medicare.
What is the main difference?
Medicare Advantage is an alternative way to get your Part A and B benefits through a private insurer. Medigap is a supplement that pays some of the costs Original Medicare leaves behind. You cannot use both at the same time.
Who tends to prefer Medicare Advantage?
People who want a low or $0 monthly premium, like having drug coverage and extras bundled into one plan, and are comfortable using a local network of doctors often lean toward Medicare Advantage.
Who tends to prefer Medigap?
People who want predictable costs, travel frequently in the U.S., or want to see any doctor who accepts Medicare without referrals often prefer Medigap paired with a separate Part D drug plan.
Can I switch later?
You can change Advantage plans during enrollment periods, but moving from Advantage to Medigap later may require health questions in many states. That's why the first decision around 65 matters.
Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap at a glance
| Feature | Medicare Advantage | Medigap + Part D |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Often low; some $0 | Higher, plus a separate Part D premium |
| Out-of-pocket costs | Copays up to a yearly maximum | Mostly covered depending on plan letter |
| Doctor choice | Usually a network (HMO/PPO) | Any provider that accepts Medicare |
| Drug coverage | Often included | Separate Part D plan |
| Extras (dental, vision, OTC) | Frequently included | Generally not included |
| Travel in the U.S. | Limited outside the network | Covered wherever Medicare is accepted |
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Frequently asked
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We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
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