I’ve actually used my Medigap while traveling for a show in Ohio—no issues at all. The process was straightforward, just showed my card and got billed later. Those Advantage “extras” always seem flashy, but honestly, I’d rather have solid coverage than a gym membership I’ll never use.
I hear you on the flashy extras with Advantage plans. I looked into both when I was turning 65, and honestly, the “free” dental and vision sounded good at first… until I dug into the details. Most of those perks are pretty limited, and you’re usually stuck with a network. I drive a lot for work and family, so being able to see any doc or hospital with Medigap is a big deal for me. I don’t want to be worrying about whether I’m “in network” if I get into an accident out of state.
That said, I know a couple folks who swear by their Advantage plans. They’re both pretty healthy, don’t travel much, and like having everything bundled together. For them, the lower premiums and the extras actually make sense. But I’ve heard enough stories about denied claims or surprise bills when people needed care outside their area that it makes me nervous.
One thing I will say—Medigap premiums can be higher, and they go up as you age. That’s something to keep in mind. But for me, the peace of mind is worth it. I’d rather pay a bit more and know I’m covered wherever I go, especially since I’m on the road a lot. The last thing I want is to be stuck in some hospital parking lot, on hold with an insurance company, trying to figure out if I’m covered.
Guess it really comes down to how much you travel and whether you’re okay with networks. If you’re a homebody and like the bundled perks, Advantage might work. But if you’re like me and want flexibility, Medigap’s hard to beat—even if it doesn’t come with a free gym bag.
I don’t want to be worrying about whether I’m “in network” if I get into an accident out of state.
I totally get what you mean about not wanting to be “stuck in some hospital parking lot, on hold with an insurance company, trying to figure out if I’m covered.” That’s the kind of scenario that gives me flashbacks to the time my car broke down in the middle of nowhere and AAA put me on hold for 45 minutes. Not exactly the kind of suspense I want when it comes to my health.
But here’s what I keep wondering: is the network thing with Advantage plans really as restrictive as it sounds? Like, if you’re traveling out of state and something happens, are you just out of luck? Or do they have some kind of emergency coverage that kicks in? I’ve heard mixed things—some folks say you’re fine in a true emergency, others say you still end up with surprise bills. Anyone actually had to use their Advantage plan while on the road?
And about those “free” extras—has anyone actually gotten decent dental or vision care through an Advantage plan? Or is it more like those “free oil changes” dealerships offer, where you end up paying for everything except the oil?
I do see the appeal of Medigap for folks who are always on the move. But then again, those premiums creeping up every year make me nervous. Is there any way to lock in a rate or is it just a given that it’ll go up as you age? Feels a bit like car insurance—starts off reasonable, then suddenly you’re paying more than your neighbor’s mortgage.
Guess what I’m really asking is: does anyone feel like they’ve actually saved money long-term with Advantage, or does it just look good on paper until you need real care? And for Medigap folks, how bad do those premium hikes get after a few years? Just trying to figure out if there’s a sweet spot or if it’s all just picking your poison.
Appreciate all the real-world stories here. Beats reading another glossy brochure...
Or do they have some kind of emergency coverage that kicks in? I’ve heard mixed things—some folks say you’re fine in a true emergency, others say you still end up with surprise bills.
I’ve been burned by “emergency coverage” fine print before. With my Advantage plan, they said emergencies are covered anywhere, but when I broke my ankle hiking in Utah, the ER was covered but the follow-up wasn’t. Had to drive back to my home state just to get an in-network ortho, which was a real pain (literally). The network thing is definitely not just hype—if you travel a lot, Medigap’s way less hassle, but yeah, those premiums sneak up on you over time. Haven’t found a way to lock them in either... feels like playing whack-a-mole with rate hikes.
That network stuff tripped me up too. I thought I was being smart with a zero-premium Advantage plan, but when my wife needed stitches out of state, we got hit with a bunch of out-of-network charges for the follow-up. Medigap’s more predictable, but man, those premiums do creep up. It’s like picking between a leaky faucet and a high water bill—either way, you’re paying, just depends how and when. I keep a spreadsheet now just to keep track... not exactly how I pictured retirement.
