If you live in South Carolina and you are turning 65, retiring, or already on Medicare, choosing the right Medigap plan could save you thousands of dollars a year in out-of-pocket healthcare costs. With more than a dozen insurance carriers offering standardized Medicare Supplement plans in the state, knowing which plan type fits your needs and which company offers the lowest rate is the difference between overpaying and getting solid coverage at a fair price.
Talk to a licensed South Carolina Medicare broker at no cost. Call 877-850-0211 to compare Medigap plans and rates for your zip code.
This guide breaks down the best Medigap plans available to South Carolina residents in 2026, compares carrier rates side by side, and explains the SC-specific enrollment rules that affect when and how you can sign up.
What Is a Medigap Plan and How Does It Work in South Carolina?
A Medigap plan (also called a Medicare Supplement plan) is private insurance that pays for costs Original Medicare does not cover, including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. Medigap plans are standardized under federal law, so Plan G from Farm Bureau covers the same benefits as Plan G from Blue Cross Blue Shield. The only differences between carriers are the monthly premium, the pricing method, and customer service.
In South Carolina, Medigap plans are regulated by the SC Department of Insurance, which publishes an annual Medicare Supplement Shopper’s Guide. To buy a Medigap plan, you must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. You cannot hold a Medigap plan and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time.
One important detail: while the benefits are identical across carriers, premiums in South Carolina vary widely based on the insurance company, your age, your zip code, and whether you use tobacco. A 65-year-old in Charleston might pay $96 a month for Plan G with one carrier and $229 with another for the same coverage. That is why comparing rates matters.
Most Popular Medigap Plans in South Carolina for 2026
South Carolina residents can choose from 10 standardized Medicare Supplement plans: Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. Plans C and F are only available to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. For most new enrollees in 2026, the decision comes down to two plans.
Plan G: The Best Overall Choice for New Enrollees
Plan G covers everything Original Medicare does not, except the Part B deductible ($257 in 2026). That means after you pay the Part B deductible once per year, Plan G picks up 100% of your remaining Medicare-approved costs. There are no copays for doctor visits, no coinsurance on hospital stays, and no surprise bills from Medicare-covered services.
Plan G has become the most popular Medigap plan nationwide since Plan F was closed to new enrollees in 2020. In South Carolina, Plan G premiums for a 65-year-old start at $96 per month with Farm Bureau and range up to about $229 per month depending on the carrier.
Plan N: The Best Budget-Friendly Option
Plan N covers most of the same benefits as Plan G but with two small differences: you pay up to a $20 copay for some doctor visits and up to a $50 copay for emergency room visits that do not result in an inpatient admission. Plan N also does not cover Part B excess charges, though these are rare in South Carolina because most doctors accept Medicare assignment.
The tradeoff is a lower premium. In South Carolina, Plan N starts at $74 per month with Farm Bureau, roughly $22 less than Plan G. Over a full year, that is $264 in premium savings, which more than offsets the occasional copay for most people.
Plan F: Still Available for Grandfathered Enrollees
If you became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, you can still buy Plan F. It covers everything, including the Part B deductible. However, because the pool of Plan F enrollees is shrinking (no new members can join), premiums tend to rise faster than Plan G. Farm Bureau offers Plan F in South Carolina starting at $108 per month, but many carriers charge $200 or more.
Top Medigap Insurance Companies in South Carolina (2026 Rates)
These are the carriers offering some of the most competitive Medigap rates in South Carolina for 2026. All premiums listed are for a 65-year-old, non-tobacco user.
Plan G Rates by Carrier (Age 65)
| Carrier | Monthly Premium | Annual Cost | Pricing Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farm Bureau Insurance | $96 | $1,152 | Attained Age |
| Nassau | $125 | $1,500 | Issue Age |
| MedMutual Protect | $127 | $1,524 | Issue Age |
| Bankers Fidelity | $130 | $1,560 | Issue Age |
| LifeShield National | $132 | $1,584 | Issue Age |
| Wellcare | $139 | $1,668 | Attained Age |
| State Farm | $140 | $1,680 | Issue Age |
| Physicians Select | $143 | $1,716 | Issue Age |
Farm Bureau stands out as the lowest-cost option for Plan G in South Carolina. They also offer the cheapest rates for Plans A, B, C, D, F, M, and N, making them the most affordable Medigap carrier in the state across almost every plan type. Farm Bureau uses attained-age pricing, meaning the rate starts low but increases as you get older.
Other Notable Carriers
Transamerica is the only carrier in South Carolina that offers all 10 standardized Medigap plans, including the less common Plans K and L. Their Plan K starts at $77 per month, which is the cheapest high-deductible option in the state. Transamerica uses issue-age pricing, so your rate is locked based on your age at purchase.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina is one of the most recognized names in the state. BCBS offers BlueCare and Blue Select Medicare Supplement plans, with new 2026 plans effective June 1. While BCBS premiums tend to be higher than Farm Bureau, many South Carolinians choose BCBS for the brand recognition and local customer service.
Want help comparing all available carriers in your zip code? Call 877-850-0211 for a free, no-obligation Medigap rate comparison.
How Much Does Medigap Cost in South Carolina?
At age 65, South Carolina residents pay between $74 and $400 or more per month for Medigap coverage, depending on the plan type and insurance company. Here is a snapshot of average monthly costs by plan type across all carriers.
| Plan Type | Lowest Monthly Premium | State Average | Annual Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan A | $83 | $188 | $2,256 |
| Plan B | $94 | $225 | $2,700 |
| Plan C | $105 | $266 | $3,192 |
| Plan D | $97 | $167 | $2,004 |
| Plan F | $108 | $281 | $3,372 |
| Plan G | $96 | $229 | $2,748 |
| Plan K | $77 | $95 | $1,140 |
| Plan N | $74 | $186 | $2,232 |
The range between the cheapest carrier and the state average is significant. For Plan G, the difference between Farm Bureau ($96/month) and the average ($229/month) is $133 per month, or nearly $1,600 per year. That is the same coverage for a dramatically different price.
Attained-Age vs. Issue-Age Pricing: Why It Matters Long Term
Medigap carriers in South Carolina use two main pricing methods, and understanding the difference can save you money over 10 or 20 years of coverage.
Attained-age pricing means your premium starts low and increases as you get older. Farm Bureau uses this method. You might pay $96 at age 65, but the rate could be $150 or more by age 75. The advantage is the low starting price. The risk is that costs increase predictably each year on top of any general rate increases.
Issue-age pricing means your premium is based on the age you were when you bought the plan. Nassau, MedMutual Protect, Bankers Fidelity, and State Farm use this method. Your base rate stays the same as you age (though carriers can still apply general rate increases for medical inflation). You pay more upfront, but the rate does not increase simply because you got a year older.
If you are 65 and plan to keep your Medigap coverage for 15+ years, issue-age pricing often costs less over the long run. If you want the lowest possible premium right now, attained-age pricing is cheaper at the start.
Plan G vs. Plan N in South Carolina: Which Should You Choose?
This is the most common question South Carolina Medicare beneficiaries ask when shopping for Medigap coverage. Here is how the two plans compare side by side.
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part A Hospital Coinsurance | Covered | Covered |
| Part B Coinsurance/Copays | Covered | Covered (up to $20 copay for some visits) |
| Part B Deductible ($257/year) | Not Covered | Not Covered |
| Part B Excess Charges | Covered | Not Covered |
| ER Visits (no admission) | No copay | Up to $50 copay |
| Skilled Nursing Coinsurance | Covered | Covered |
| Foreign Travel Emergency | Covered | Covered |
| Lowest SC Premium (Age 65) | $96/month | $74/month |
When Plan N Makes More Sense
If you visit the doctor a few times a year and rarely use the emergency room, Plan N can save you $264 or more annually in premiums while your copay costs stay well under $100 for the year. For light-to-moderate healthcare users, Plan N often delivers the best value.
When Plan G Is Worth the Extra Cost
If you see specialists regularly, have frequent doctor appointments, or just want zero-surprise billing, Plan G gives you complete predictability. You pay the $257 Part B deductible once and then nothing else for Medicare-approved services. For people managing chronic conditions or scheduling multiple procedures, that peace of mind is worth the extra $22 per month.
South Carolina Medigap Enrollment Rules You Need to Know
South Carolina has specific enrollment rules that directly affect your ability to get coverage and the price you pay. Missing the right window can cost you significantly.
The 6-Month Open Enrollment Period
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP) begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. It lasts six months. During this window, no insurance company in South Carolina can turn you down, charge you more because of health conditions, or impose a waiting period for pre-existing conditions.
This is the single most important enrollment window for Medigap in South Carolina. Once it closes, you may not get another chance to buy coverage at standard rates without answering health questions.
South Carolina Does Not Have a Birthday Rule
Some states, like California and Oregon, offer an annual “birthday rule” window where you can switch Medigap plans each year without medical underwriting. South Carolina does not have this protection. Once your initial 6-month OEP ends, switching plans or carriers requires medical underwriting in most cases, and your application can be denied based on health conditions.
This makes your first Medigap enrollment decision in South Carolina more important than in states with annual switching opportunities. Pick the right plan and the right carrier during your OEP because changing later is harder. For a full breakdown of which states offer birthday rules, see our Medicare Birthday Rule state-by-state guide.
Guaranteed Issue Rights Outside the OEP
Even after your OEP closes, federal law provides guaranteed issue rights in certain situations. You can buy a Medigap plan without medical underwriting if:
- Your Medicare Advantage plan leaves your area or stops participating in Medicare
- You lose employer or union group health coverage
- Your Medigap carrier goes bankrupt or commits fraud
- You dropped Medigap to try Medicare Advantage and want to return within 12 months (first-time trial right)
Under-65 Medigap Access in South Carolina
South Carolina provides guaranteed issue Medigap coverage for people under 65 who qualify for Medicare due to a disability. This is an important protection, as many states do not require carriers to sell Medigap to the under-65 population. While premiums for under-65 enrollees are typically higher than standard rates, the guaranteed issue protection means you cannot be denied coverage based on your health status.
2026 Medicare Cost Changes That Affect Medigap in South Carolina
Several Medicare cost changes in 2026 affect how much you pay with a Medigap plan.
| Medicare Cost | 2025 | 2026 | Impact on Medigap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part B Premium | $185.00/month | $185.00/month | You pay this regardless of Medigap plan |
| Part B Deductible | $257/year | $257/year | Plan G and Plan N enrollees pay this out of pocket |
| Part A Deductible | $1,676/benefit period | $1,676/benefit period | Covered by Plans G, N, and most others |
| Part D OOP Cap | $2,000/year | $2,000/year | Separate from Medigap; applies to drug plans |
For Plan G enrollees, the Part B deductible is your only predictable out-of-pocket Medicare cost each year beyond premiums. Plan N enrollees pay the same deductible plus occasional copays. Both plans cover the Part A hospital deductible, which would otherwise cost $1,676 per hospital admission.
How to Choose the Right Medigap Plan in South Carolina
Picking a Medigap plan does not need to be complicated. Here are the steps that matter most.
Step 1: Decide between Plan G and Plan N. If you want the simplest coverage with the fewest out-of-pocket costs, go with Plan G. If you are healthy, visit the doctor infrequently, and want to save on premiums, Plan N is the better value.
Step 2: Compare carrier rates for your zip code. Medigap premiums vary by county in South Carolina. A plan that is cheapest in Columbia may not be cheapest in Myrtle Beach or Greenville. Get quotes from multiple carriers for your specific location.
Step 3: Consider the pricing method. Choose attained-age if you want the lowest starting price and may switch plans in the future. Choose issue-age if you want more stable premiums over the next 10 to 20 years.
Step 4: Check the carrier’s financial strength. Look up the insurer’s AM Best rating. You want a carrier rated A (Excellent) or better, since they will be paying your claims for decades.
Step 5: Enroll during your OEP. If you are within your initial six-month Open Enrollment Period, apply now. You will get the best rate and guaranteed acceptance. Waiting past your OEP means risking medical underwriting.
Schedule a free Medigap consultation to compare plans and carriers for your South Carolina zip code. Call 877-850-0211.
How to Switch Medigap Plans in South Carolina
Because South Carolina does not have a birthday rule, switching Medigap plans after your initial OEP requires medical underwriting in most situations. Here is what you need to know.
Guaranteed issue situations: If your Medicare Advantage plan drops your area, if you lose employer coverage, or if you are exercising a Medicare Advantage trial right, you can switch to certain Medigap plans without health questions.
Underwriting outside protected periods: You can apply to switch Medigap plans at any time, but the carrier can review your health history and deny coverage. If you have developed health issues since your original enrollment, approval is not guaranteed.
Tips for switching after your OEP:
- Do not cancel your current Medigap plan until you have written confirmation of approval from the new carrier
- Apply to the new carrier first and let policies overlap for a month if needed
- If you are switching from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare + Medigap, make sure you understand the enrollment period rules
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Medigap plan in South Carolina?
Plan G is the best Medigap plan for most South Carolina residents in 2026. It covers all Medicare-approved costs except the annual Part B deductible ($257). Plan G offers the most complete coverage available to anyone who became Medicare-eligible after January 1, 2020.
How much does Medigap Plan G cost in South Carolina?
Medigap Plan G premiums in South Carolina range from $96 to about $229 per month for a 65-year-old, depending on the carrier and your zip code. Farm Bureau offers the lowest Plan G rate at $96 per month using attained-age pricing.
Can I buy a Medigap plan if I am under 65 in South Carolina?
Yes. South Carolina requires Medigap carriers to offer guaranteed issue coverage to people under 65 who qualify for Medicare due to disability. Premiums for under-65 enrollees are typically higher than standard rates, but you cannot be denied coverage during your eligible enrollment window.
What happens if I miss my Medigap Open Enrollment Period in South Carolina?
If you miss your initial six-month OEP, you can still apply for Medigap in South Carolina, but carriers can use medical underwriting to evaluate your application. This means they can deny coverage, charge higher premiums, or impose waiting periods for pre-existing conditions based on your health history.
Which company has the cheapest Medigap plans in South Carolina?
Farm Bureau Insurance offers the lowest Medigap premiums in South Carolina for Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, M, and N. For Plans K and L, Transamerica has the cheapest rates. The best carrier for you depends on your specific plan choice, zip code, and whether you prefer attained-age or issue-age pricing.
Does South Carolina have a Medigap Birthday Rule?
No. South Carolina does not have a birthday rule for Medigap plans. Unlike states such as California, Oregon, and Illinois, SC does not give you an annual window to switch plans without medical underwriting. Your best opportunity to enroll is during your initial six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period.
The Bottom Line
South Carolina residents have access to competitive Medigap rates in 2026, with Plan G premiums starting as low as $96 per month and Plan N from $74. Farm Bureau leads on price for most plan types, while carriers like Nassau, State Farm, and Transamerica offer issue-age pricing that can save money over the long term. The most important thing you can do is enroll during your initial six-month Open Enrollment Period, when you are guaranteed acceptance at the best available rate.
Choosing the right Medigap plan and the right carrier for your situation does not have to be overwhelming. An independent Medicare broker can compare every available option in your zip code at no cost to you, since brokers are paid by the insurance companies, not by you.
Get your free South Carolina Medigap comparison today. Call 877-850-0211 or schedule a consultation online.