Quick Answer:
Yes, but only in rare cases.
In most cases, Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policies are guaranteed renewable — meaning your insurance company can’t cancel your coverage as long as you continue to pay your premium.
Yes — but only in specific situations, such as non-payment, material misrepresentation, or if the insurer leaves the market. You cannot be dropped due to your health.
However, there are rare but specific scenarios where a policy may be terminated. According to Medicare.gov, insurers can only cancel a Medigap policy under specific circumstances — such as failure to pay premiums, misrepresentation on your application, or if the insurance company goes bankrupt.
When Can a Medicare Supplement Be Canceled?
If you miss payments, even by accident, your policy can be terminated. Always contact your insurer or agent if you fall behind.
📝 *Example:*
Harold from Bangor missed his premium during a hospital stay. We helped him reinstate it quickly — but others haven’t been as lucky.
This applies only to serious, deliberate falsehoods on your application. Minor mistakes won’t get you canceled.
You’ll get advance notice. You may qualify for a Guaranteed Issue Right to pick another plan.
💡 *Tip:* Work with an independent broker who can act fast on your behalf.
What to Do If Your Plan Is Being Canceled
You may qualify for a Guaranteed Issue Right if:
- Your insurer discontinues your plan through no fault of your own
- You lose union/employer retiree coverage
- You act within the 63-day window
This allows you to buy a new Medigap plan without medical underwriting.
Guaranteed Issue Rights for Medicare Supplement Plans
| Situation | What It Means | Your Rights |
|---|---|---|
| Trial Right – Medicare Advantage | You enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan when first eligible. | You can switch to a Medigap plan within 12 months. No medical underwriting. |
| You previously had a Medigap plan | You tried Medicare Advantage for the first time and want to go back. | You may be able to get your old Medigap plan back, even with health issues. |
| Your Medicare Advantage or SELECT plan leaves your area | Your plan is discontinued or no longer available in your ZIP code. | You can buy a Medigap plan with Guaranteed Issue rights. |
| Your plan breaks Medicare rules | The insurance company didn’t follow CMS guidelines. | You are entitled to switch to a Medigap plan with no health questions. |
| Your insurance company goes bankrupt | Your plan stops operating. | You have a Guaranteed Issue right to get a Medigap plan. |
| Losing employer coverage after age 65 | You delayed Medicare due to creditable job-based coverage. | You get a 63-day window to enroll in a Medigap plan without underwriting. |
Worried About Losing Your Medicare Supplement Coverage?
Losing your plan—or being denied one later—can leave you with higher costs and fewer choices.
Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Schedule your free Medicare coverage review to protect your options while you still can.
⚠️ Warning: Missed Premiums May Limit Your Options
If your cancellation is due to non-payment, you might not qualify for a new Medicare Supplement without going through health underwriting.
Guaranteed Medigap coverage is only available when:
- You're in your Initial Enrollment Period, OR
- You lose coverage through no fault of your own
Outside those times:
- You must answer health questions
- You can be denied
- You may be charged more
📌 Example:
A client in Nazareth missed three payments. Due to health issues, she was declined or overpriced by all carriers. She had to wait for Medicare Advantage AEP and had no drug coverage in the meantime.
What Happens If You’re Denied Medigap?
If your application is denied:
- You’ll still have Original Medicare (Parts A & B) — but no cap on out-of-pocket costs
- You can apply for a Medicare Advantage plan, but only:
- During Annual Enrollment (Oct 15–Dec 7), or
- If you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
To learn more about enrollment dates and timelines read our Medicare eligibility chart article.
Should You Switch to Medicare Advantage Instead?
A Medicare Advantage plan may be your next-best option, but be aware:
- Provider networks are restricted
- Copays and out-of-pocket limits vary
- Some include extras like dental, OTC cards, or gym membership.
We’ll walk you through Medigap vs. Advantage so you can choose with confidence.
👉 If you're considering staying with Medigap and want to understand the most popular option, read our Medicare Plan G Explained Simply (2025 Update).
Losing Your Medicare Supplement?
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Find out if you qualify for a new plan — with or without health questions.
- ✓ Guaranteed Issue options
- ✓ Compare Plan G and N rates
- ✓ Avoid costly gaps in coverage
Frequently Asked Questions About Canceled Medigap Policies
No. As long as you pay your premiums, your health has no effect on your coverage. Medigap plans are guaranteed renewable — even if your health gets worse.
If you miss a payment, your plan can be terminated. Some companies offer a short grace period, but if your plan lapses and you're outside your guaranteed enrollment window, you may have to reapply and go through health underwriting — and you can be denied.
Maybe — it depends on the reason.
If your plan is canceled through no fault of your own (like the insurer leaving the market), you likely qualify for a Guaranteed Issue Right. But if it was canceled due to non-payment, you may be subject to health questions and could be declined.
Explore More Medicare Insights:
- What to Do With Medicare When You Move – Learn how to update or switch your plan when changing states.
- Medicare Supplement Enrollment Periods – Know when you can switch or apply without medical questions.
- Using Prescription Discount Cards with Medicare – Can you stack savings or will it interfere with coverage?
Worried about losing your Medicare coverage?
Download our free Medicare Enrollment Age Chart — it includes key timelines to protect your benefits, avoid gaps, and stay covered.
✔️ Updated for 2025
✔️ See exactly when you’re eligible
✔️ Easy 1-page reference, no jargon
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