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Medigap Underwriting Explained: When You Can (and Can't) Be Turned Down

Medical underwriting for Medigap plans isn't always required. Learn when you have guaranteed issue rights and when health questions apply.

6 min readReviewed for the 2026 plan year

Your Medigap Open Enrollment Window

You have a 6-month window starting the month you're both 65+ and enrolled in Part B during which you can buy any Medigap plan sold in your state with no medical underwriting, regardless of health conditions.

Guaranteed Issue Rights

Outside that window, certain situations — like losing employer coverage or your Medicare Advantage plan leaving the area — can trigger guaranteed issue rights, letting you enroll without underwriting.

When Underwriting Applies

Outside your initial window and without a guaranteed issue right, carriers may ask health questions and can decline coverage or adjust pricing based on your answers.

Key Takeaways

  • Your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment window guarantees acceptance regardless of health.
  • Guaranteed issue rights can apply outside that window in specific situations.
  • Outside both, medical underwriting may affect your ability to enroll or your price.

Underwriting and guaranteed issue rules vary by state. Confirm your specific rights with a licensed advisor before changing coverage.

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