You can apply for Medigap at any time of the year. If you are outside your initial enrollment period and/or you don’t qualify for Medigap special enrollment, you will usually have to go through Medigap underwriting to be approved.

Instant Medigap Underwriting Checker

Use our new Instant Medigap Underwriting Checker to see if you would be approved for Medigap. All information entered will be anonymous.

Get a Medigap Quote Enroll in Medigap

Note: The tool above offers general information about Medigap underwriting and is enhanced by Ai to provide a composite underwriting feedback from multiple insurance providers. It is not always accurate and is not designed to replace actual underwriting. Each insurance company has their own set of underwriting questions and approval parameters. It is not uncommon for one company to approve a client and another to decline the same person for the same condition.

If you are not sure if you will be approved for Medigap after using the tool above, contact Senior65.com at 800-930-7956 and we can look up specific guidelines by each insurance carrier in your state.

What is Medigap Underwriting?

Medical Underwriting is the process insurance companies use to evaluate an applicant’s health history and current medical status to decide:

  • Whether to approve or deny coverage
  • Whether to approve you but charge a higher premium

In underwriting, insurance companies look at things like:

  • Past and current illnesses (e.g., cancer, heart disease)
  • Surgeries or hospitalizations
  • Prescription drug use*
  • Height and weight
  • Tobacco use (usually means higher premium)
  • Recommended or scheduled testing/procedures that haven’t taken place (usually means instant decline)

With Medigap underwriting you do not need to take a physical or have an in person review. You will just answer about 20 questions about your health with our Senior65.com team over the phone. You must also agree to allow the insurance company to check your medical records.

* While Medigap plans do not cover prescription drugs at the pharmacy, insurance provider can ask which drugs you have recently taken as part of the underwriting process. Your prescription list may factor in your approval despite the fact no drugs are covered under any Medigap policy.

Do I have to go through Medical Underwriting for Medigap?

Maybe. Medigap underwriting usually is required when…

Remember: Federal Medicare does not offer an annual Medigap “open enrollment” each year that allows you to switch plans without health review. AEP Open Enrollment from Oct 15 – Dec 7 is for switching Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D drug plans.

How do I apply for Medigap Underwriting?

Step 1) See if you even need Medical Underwriting

Step 2) Quickly find out if you would qualify for Medigap Underwriting

  • Enter your medical conditions on our Instant Medigap Underwriting Checker at the top of this page.
  • This chat tool give you a good idea if you will be approved or not.
  • If you think you will be approved via underwriting, move to step 3.
  • TIP: Check the timeframe for decline. If you are symptom free beyond certain timeframes you could still be approved.

Step 3) Get an Instant Medigap quote

Visit Senior65.com’s instant quote to get a Medigap quote in less than 30 seconds. You will not have to talk to a agent to see pricing.

Step 4. Pick a Medigap Plan and Insurance Company

Usually you want to select a plan that has the lowest price. If you are worried your preexisting conditions could keep you from being approved, contact us and we review which plan in your area has the most lenient guidelines.

Step 5. Fill Out the Application

  • Apply online here or over the phone at 800-930-7956.
  • If you apply online, an agent will call you to go over the health questions.

Step 6. Get a Decision

  • Approval at Best Rate
  • Approval at Higher Rate (If you are a smoker or have certain conditions they may come back with an increased premium. You can withdraw if you don’t like the new rate)
  • Denial: Contact us. We can discuss if it makes sense for you can apply with a different company or explore other options.

Why Ask Drug Questions if Medigap Doesn’t Cover Drugs?

Good Question. Medigap plans do not cover prescription drugs at the pharmacy. Your separate Part D drug plan covers drugs and there is never underwriting for Medicare Part D drug coverage.

That being said, most Medigap underwriters check which drugs you are taking to gage your overall health. If you are taking certain drugs, they may decline your Medigap application even though, as we stated, Medigap doesn’t cover Rx. They assume that if you are taking certain prescriptions, you may be a higher risk candidate for other medical services they do cover. Medigap underwriting will have no effect on your current or future Part D drug coverage.

What If I have a Preexisting Condition?

You Might Be Approved for Medigap at the best rate.

  • Some mild or older conditions (like well-controlled high blood pressure or a past surgery from 5+ years ago) may not impact your approve
  • If the condition is fully treated and stable, some companies will approve you at the best rate.

You Might Be Declined for Medigap

Some health issues are automatic declines such as

  • Congestive heart failure
  • Recent cancer (usually within the last 2–5 years)
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Scheduled procedures/testing that has yet to take place

You Might be Charged more for Medigap

  • You could be approved at a higher monthly premium
  • Smokers and those with certain pre-existing conditions sometimes get charged more.
  • If you do not want Medigap at the higher premium you can withdraw your application.

Hope that helps. If you need help, contact the team here at Senior65.com. There is never a fee or charge for our services.