Buying your Medigap policy

Follow 4 steps to buy a policy.

Tips for filling out your application 

  • Fill out the application carefully and completely, including medical questions. The answers you give will determine your eligibility for open enrollment or guaranteed issue rights (also called "medigap protections).
  • If your insurance agent fills out the application, check to make sure it's correct.
  • Remember that the insurance company can't ask you any questions about your family history or require you to take a genetic test.
  • If you buy a Medigap policy during your Medigap open enrollment period, the insurance company can’t use any medial answers you give to deny you a Medigap policy or change the price.
  • If you provide evidence that you're entitled to a guaranteed issue right, the insurance company can't use any medical answers you give to deny you a Medigap policy or change the price.

How to pay for your policy

It's best to pay by check, money order, or bank draft. Make it payable to the insurance company, not the agent. If buying from an agent, get a receipt with the insurance company's name, address, and phone number for your records. Some companies may offer electronic funds transfer.

Decide when your policy should start

Ask for your policy to become effective when you want coverage to start. Generally, Medigap policies begin the first of the month after you apply. If, for any reason, the insurance company won't give you the effective date for the month you want, call your State Insurance Department.

You paid for your policy, but it hasn't started 

If it's been 30 days and you didn't get your Medigap policy, call your insurance company.

If it's been 60 days and you didn't get your Medigap policy, call your State Insurance Department.