Humana vs. UnitedHealthcare Medigap Plans: Which Is Cheaper?

Choosing a Medicare Supplement plan can feel confusing, especially when prices vary so widely between companies.

Two insurers may offer the exact same coverage but charge very different premiums. For many Medicare beneficiaries living on a fixed income, that difference matters.

Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, help pay for costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. These include deductibles, coinsurance, and certain out-of-pocket expenses that can add up quickly.

But one important rule often surprises people: Medigap plans are standardized.

That means a Plan G from Humana provides the exact same medical coverage as a Plan G from UnitedHealthcare. The same is true for Plan N or High-Deductible Plan G. The benefits are identical regardless of the company selling the policy.

So what actually differs between these two insurers?

In this guide, we'll break down all the factors - but it's primarily four things:

• Monthly premium
  
• Customer service experience
  
• Extra perks or wellness benefits
  
• Financial strength of the company
  

For budget-conscious seniors, the monthly premium usually becomes the deciding factor.

Plan G Premium Comparison (Most Popular Plan)

Plan G is the most popular Medicare Supplement plan for new enrollees. It covers nearly all out-of-pocket costs under Original Medicare except the small annual Part B deductible.

Because it offers such comprehensive coverage, Plan G is often the best benchmark when comparing carriers.

Direct Comparison

The difference between these two carriers becomes clear when you put the numbers side by side.

• Humana can be roughly $150–$160 cheaper per month
  
• Annual savings with Humana: about $1,800–$1,900 per year
  
• Humana premiums are roughly 45–50% lower than UnitedHealthcare in many markets

Over several years, those savings can add up quickly. For someone planning to keep a Medigap plan long term, the premium gap alone could mean thousands of dollars in additional costs.

Plan N Premium Comparison (Cost-Saving Alternative)

Plan N is a popular lower-premium option for people willing to accept a few small copays in exchange for lower monthly costs.

Under Plan N, you may pay:

• Up to $20 for some doctor visits
  
• Up to $50 for emergency room visits (if not admitted)
  

Otherwise, coverage is very similar to Plan G.

Even after factoring in occasional copays, Plan N through Humana can remain substantially cheaper overall.

High-Deductible Plan G Comparison

High-Deductible Plan G has become increasingly popular among people who want the protection of a Medicare Supplement plan while keeping monthly premiums as low as possible.

In 2026, the deductible for this plan is $2,950. You must pay Medicare cost-sharing expenses until you reach that amount. After the deductible is met, the plan works just like standard Plan G.

Because premiums are already low, the difference between companies tends to be minimal.

For healthy beneficiaries who rarely visit the doctor, this plan can offer significant long-term savings regardless of the carrier.

Bottom Line on Premiums

Across the most popular Medigap plans, a clear pattern appears:

• UnitedHealthcare typically sits near the top of the pricing spectrum.
  
• Humana generally lands closer to the middle of the market.
  

While neither carrier is usually the cheapest option available, Humana consistently comes in far less expensive than UnitedHealthcare for Plans G and N.

For seniors focused primarily on affordability, that premium difference can easily translate into thousands of dollars saved over time.

What You Get for the Price Difference

One argument often made in favor of UnitedHealthcare is that its higher premiums come with extra benefits. These extras are designed to promote wellness and provide small conveniences beyond standard Medigap coverage.

The key question is simple: Do these extras justify paying significantly higher premiums?

Let’s look at what each company includes.

UnitedHealthcare Extra Benefits

Renew Active Fitness Program

UnitedHealthcare includes access to the Renew Active fitness program, which provides gym memberships at thousands of participating locations nationwide. Many national chains participate, along with local gyms and community centers.

Members may also receive access to online brain health tools, at-home fitness kits, and wellness resources.

Estimated value if used regularly: $250–$600 per year.

However, some members have reported frustration with gym network changes in recent years, particularly when certain premium gym chains were removed from the program.

24/7 Nurse Line

Members can contact registered nurses at any time to ask health questions or discuss symptoms. This can help people decide whether they should seek medical care or manage an issue at home.

Estimated value: Peace of mind and occasional cost savings, especially if it helps avoid unnecessary urgent care or emergency visits.

Hearing Benefits

UnitedHealthcare plans may include:

• Hearing exams
  
• Discounts on hearing aids
  
• Access to hearing care providers
  

Estimated value: $100–$500 per year if hearing devices are purchased.

Vision and Dental Discounts

These programs provide discounts on services such as:

• Vision exams
  
• Eyeglasses and lenses
  
• Dental procedures
  

These are discount programs rather than insurance coverage, so savings depend on whether services are used.

Estimated value: $50–$200 per year.

Membership Discounts

Membership may also provide discounts on travel, hotels, insurance products, and entertainment. The value varies widely depending on how often someone uses those offers.

Potential value: $100–$400 per year depending on usage.

Estimated Total Value of UnitedHealthcare Extras

If someone actively uses every benefit, the extras could provide roughly $500–$1,500 in potential annual value.

However, UnitedHealthcare premiums can run about $1,800 more per year than Humana for comparable Medigap plans.

Even with strong usage of the extras, the higher premium often outweighs the added benefits.

Humana Extra Benefits

Humana also includes several wellness-focused benefits with many of its Medicare Supplement plans.

SilverSneakers Fitness Program

Humana commonly includes SilverSneakers, one of the most widely recognized fitness programs for older adults.

Members get access to thousands of gyms, group exercise classes, and online fitness programs. Some plans also include home fitness kits and personalized workout options.

Estimated value if used regularly: around $300–$500 per year.

24/7 Nurse Advice Line

Humana offers the HumanaFirst Nurse Advice Line, allowing members to speak with licensed nurses at any time for medical guidance.

Estimated value: peace of mind and occasional healthcare savings.

Go365 Wellness Rewards

Humana’s Go365 wellness program allows members to earn rewards by completing healthy activities such as walking goals, health assessments, and preventive screenings.

Rewards can often be redeemed for gift cards or merchandise.

Estimated value: $50–$200 per year for active participants.

Vision and Hearing Discounts

Humana members may also receive discounts through vision and hearing networks.

These include savings on:

• Eye exams
  
• Glasses and lenses
  
• Hearing aids
  

Estimated value: $100–$500 per year depending on usage.

Value Comparison

When comparing the two companies, the extras end up looking fairly similar.

Both include:

• Gym membership programs
  
• Nurse advice lines
  
• Wellness incentives
  
• Vision and hearing discounts
  

The difference is the premium cost attached to those extras.

UnitedHealthcare members often pay roughly $1,800 more per year in premiums compared with Humana for similar Medigap coverage.

Even if someone actively uses every available perk, the total value of those benefits rarely exceeds the additional premium.

In other words, the extras may be helpful, but they generally do not offset the higher cost.

Reality Check on “Extras”

It’s also worth noting that many people don’t fully use these programs.

Gym memberships require consistent attendance. Wellness programs require ongoing engagement. Discount programs only matter if you actually purchase those services.

For many policyholders, the real-world value of extras ends up closer to $200–$500 per year.

When premiums differ by well over a thousand dollars annually, those perks alone rarely justify the price gap.

Customer Service and Support Comparison

While premiums are the biggest factor for many Medigap shoppers, customer service still matters. When issues arise with billing, enrollment, or claims, the quality of support can affect the overall experience with a carrier.

Here’s how UnitedHealthcare and Humana compare.

UnitedHealthcare Customer Service

UnitedHealthcare generally receives stronger customer service ratings than many competitors.

• NerdWallet: 4.5 out of 5 stars for Medicare Supplement plans
  
• NAIC Complaint Index: About 11% fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size
  
• BBB Rating: A+
  

Because UnitedHealthcare is the largest Medigap provider in the country, its performance varies slightly between subsidiaries. One subsidiary reports significantly fewer complaints than expected, while another performs closer to the industry average.

Overall, the company’s complaint levels remain slightly better than the industry benchmark.

Common Customer Complaints

Even with strong ratings, some issues still appear in consumer reviews:

• Premium increases over time
  
• Difficulty switching from older plans like Plan F to lower-cost options
  
• Occasional billing or cancellation problems
  
• Customer service representatives who lack clear information
  
• Heavy marketing and frequent mail promotions
  

Some customers have also reported delays during enrollment or confusion about quoted premiums.

Positive Aspects

Despite those complaints, UnitedHealthcare performs relatively well in several areas:

• Complaint levels remain below industry averages
  
• Claims processing is generally smooth since Medigap claims are mostly automated
  
• Large national infrastructure with established systems
  
• Escalated issues are usually addressed through customer support teams
  

Access Methods

Members can reach support through multiple channels:

• Phone: Available seven days per week
  
• Online portal: Member account access and policy management
  
• Licensed agents: Nationwide availability
  

The company also offers online enrollment tools and a member portal for managing policies.

Humana Customer Service

Humana’s customer service ratings are noticeably weaker overall:

• NerdWallet: 2.5 out of 5 stars for Medicare Supplement plans
  
• Complaint levels significantly above industry averages in several analyses
  
• ConsumerAffairs: Around 2 out of 5 stars from consumer reviews
  

While Humana does respond to complaints and maintains adequate financial strength, its service experience receives mixed feedback from policyholders.

Common Customer Complaints

Frequent concerns mentioned by customers include:

• Billing or enrollment issues
  
• Long hold times when contacting customer service
  
• Confusion around policy documents or ID cards
  
• Premium increases over time
  
• Difficulties reaching knowledgeable representatives
  

Some policyholders also report frustration with application approvals when applying outside their Medigap Open Enrollment Period.

Positive Aspects

Humana does offer some helpful support resources:

• 24/7 nurse advice line available to members
  
• SilverSneakers fitness program widely appreciated
  
• Digital tools like the MyHumana portal and mobile app
  
• Claims generally processed automatically through Medicare
  

Access Methods

Members can access Humana support through:

• Phone support seven days per week
  
• Online member portal
  
• Mobile app for claims tracking and digital ID cards
  

Digital tools are generally considered functional, though not industry-leading.

Customer Service Winner

Overall, UnitedHealthcare performs better in customer service.

It tends to receive stronger satisfaction ratings and fewer complaints relative to its size. Its larger infrastructure and long-standing Medigap presence also contribute to more established service processes.

Humana, on the other hand, often receives more customer complaints and lower service ratings.

However, there is an important trade-off. Humana premiums are often significantly lower, which means many policyholders save well over $1,500 per year compared with UnitedHealthcare.

For many Medicare Supplement members, customer service interactions are relatively limited because claims are automatically processed through Medicare. As a result, some consumers decide that saving money on premiums outweighs the risk of a less polished customer service experience.

In simple terms:

• UnitedHealthcare: Better service, higher price
  
• Humana: Lower price, weaker service reputation
  

The right choice ultimately depends on whether you prioritize affordability or service quality.

Financial Strength and Stability

UnitedHealthcare remains one of the strongest insurers in the Medicare market from a financial standpoint.

• AM Best Financial Strength Rating: A (Excellent)
  
• Downgraded from A+ in August 2025, outlook remains stable
  

The company is part of UnitedHealth Group, the largest health insurer in the United States and one of the largest healthcare companies in the world. Its massive scale, diversified revenue streams, and dominant position in Medicare provide a strong financial foundation.

UnitedHealthcare also controls roughly 30% of the Medicare Supplement market, covering more than 4.5 million Medigap members nationwide. This large customer base adds stability and predictable premium revenue.

While the downgrade from A+ to A is worth noting, an A rating still reflects strong claim-paying ability and very low financial risk for policyholders.

The main downside of a company this large is operational complexity. Large insurers can sometimes feel bureaucratic, with multiple departments and layers of administration.

Humana also maintains solid financial ratings, though its balance sheet is slightly less robust than UnitedHealthcare’s.

• AM Best Financial Strength Rating: A (Excellent)
  
• Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating: a (Excellent)
  
• Parent Company Rating: bbb (Good)
  

The company continues to generate strong operating cash flow and maintains a conservative investment portfolio.

However, there are a few areas analysts monitor:

• Risk-adjusted capital levels have been described as weaker, though still adequate
  
• Financial leverage is around 40.5%, slightly above the company’s target range
  
• The company has faced pressure within its Medicare Advantage business, including margin compression and declining quality ratings
  

These issues mainly affect the Medicare Advantage segment rather than Medicare Supplement policies.

Bottom Line: Both Financially Sound

From a Medigap perspective, both companies are financially stable.

• Both carry AM Best A (Excellent) ratings
  
• Both have long histories in the Medicare market
  
• Both have strong claim-paying ability
  

There is no meaningful insolvency risk with either carrier.

UnitedHealthcare is the larger and slightly more stable company overall. Humana remains financially solid, though it faces more pressure in other segments of its business.

For most Medicare Supplement shoppers, either insurer is financially sound enough to pay claims reliably.

Pros and Cons Summary

UnitedHealthcare Pros:

• Largest Medigap provider in the U.S. with about 4.5 million members and roughly 30% market share
  
• Available in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., including states with unique Medigap structures like Massachusetts
  
• Generally better customer service reputation than many competitors, with complaint levels slightly below industry averages
  
• Community-rated pricing in many states, meaning premiums typically do not increase simply because you age
  
• Renew Active fitness program provides gym access at thousands of participating locations
  
• 24/7 nurse advice line available for health questions and guidance
  
• Hearing care benefits including exams and discounts on hearing aids
  
• One of the broadest plan selections, offering up to nine Medigap plan types
  
• Strong financial backing through UnitedHealth Group with an AM Best rating of A (Excellent)
  
• Established national infrastructure and claims systems
  
• Online tools and enrollment options available in most states
  

UnitedHealthcare Cons:

• Very expensive premiums compared with the national average
  
• Plan G premiums commonly exceed $300 per month, while the national average is closer to $150
  
• Can cost roughly $1,800-$1,900 more per year than Humana for identical coverage
• Annual membership fee required for enrollment (around $20 per year)
  
• Some policyholders report premium increases and billing issues
  
• Certain wellness-focused plans charge even higher premiums
  
• Some gym network changes have generated customer complaints
  
• Value proposition can be questionable when premiums are significantly higher than competitors
  

Humana Pros:

• Much lower premiums than UnitedHealthcare in many markets
  
• Plan G averages around $165–$180 per month, significantly less than UnitedHealthcare
  
• Potential savings of roughly $1,800 per year compared with UnitedHealthcare
  
• SilverSneakers fitness program included with many plans, providing access to thousands of gyms nationwide
  
• 24/7 nurse advice line available for health questions and medical guidance
  
• Go365 wellness rewards program allows members to earn incentives for healthy activities
  
• Widely available in 48 states plus Washington, D.C.
  
• Offers a wide range of plan options including Plans K and L, which some carriers do not offer
  
• Online enrollment available in many states, sometimes with small premium discounts
  
• Financial strength rating of A (Excellent) from AM Best
  
• Long history in Medicare-focused insurance products
  

Humana Cons:

• Weaker customer service reputation compared with many major insurers
  
• Complaint levels higher than the industry average in some analyses
  
• Some customers report long hold times and billing issues
• Uses attained-age pricing in most states, meaning premiums generally increase as you get older
  
• Some policyholders report multiple premium increases over time
  
• Pricing still slightly above the national average in many locations
• Administrative issues such as enrollment delays or missing policy documents occasionally reported
  

Summary

UnitedHealthcare tends to offer stronger service infrastructure and broader nationwide presence, but it also comes with significantly higher premiums.

Humana usually delivers much lower pricing, though the trade-off can be a weaker customer service reputation.

For shoppers focused primarily on affordability, Humana often provides better value. For those who prioritize service experience and long-term stability, UnitedHealthcare may still be worth considering despite the higher cost.

Which Is More Affordable?

Looking strictly at premiums, Humana is clearly the more affordable option.

Typical differences between the two carriers show:

• Monthly savings: about $150–$160 less per month compared with UnitedHealthcare
  
• Annual savings: roughly $1,800–$1,900 per year
  
• 5-year savings: about $10,000–$11,000
  
• 10-year savings: potentially $20,000 or more, depending on rate increases
  

On average, Humana premiums can be about 45–50% lower than UnitedHealthcare for the same plan letter.

Verdict: If the goal is minimizing monthly premiums, Humana is dramatically more affordable.

Even though Humana is cheaper than UnitedHealthcare, both companies tend to price above the national average.

Typical Plan G comparison:

• National average: about $148/month
  
• Humana: roughly $165–$180/month
  
• UnitedHealthcare: often $310–$330/month
  

This means Humana is cheaper than UnitedHealthcare, but still not always the lowest option available.

Many states have other carriers with lower premiums, such as:

• HealthSpring: often around $120–$140/month for Plan G
  
• Mutual of Omaha: roughly $130–$160/month
  
• Regional Blue Cross Blue Shield plans: sometimes $130–$180/month
  
• Wellabe and other regional carriers: often near $140–$170/month
  

If affordability is the main priority, it’s usually worth comparing several carriers before choosing either Humana or UnitedHealthcare.

Humana may make the most sense when:

• Monthly price is your top priority
  
• Saving roughly $1,800 per year matters more than brand recognition
  
• You plan to use SilverSneakers regularly
  
• You are comfortable relying on mostly automated claims processing
  
• You rarely expect to call customer service
  
• You understand premiums may increase over time due to attained-age pricing
  

If the decision is strictly between Humana and UnitedHealthcare, Humana will usually be the more affordable choice.

UnitedHealthcare may make sense in certain situations:

• Customer service and support are very important to you
  
• You prefer the stability of the largest Medigap provider
  
• You want community-rated pricing, which avoids age-based premium increases in many states
  
• The Renew Active fitness program appeals to you
  
• You value brand recognition and a large national infrastructure
  
• Your budget comfortably allows for the higher premium
  

Some people prefer the added predictability and service reputation, even if it costs more.

Choose Neither When...(Often the Best Financial Choice)

In many cases, the most affordable option is neither Humana nor UnitedHealthcare.

If your goal is true affordability, consider comparing other carriers first. Companies like HealthSpring, Mutual of Omaha, regional Blue Cross plans, and other insurers often offer similar coverage at lower premiums.

Since Medigap benefits are standardized, paying significantly more for the same coverage rarely makes financial sense.

Key Decision Factors

When comparing options, focus on these factors:

1. Monthly premium
   
2. Long-term cost over 5–10 years
   
3. Customer service reputation
   
4. Extra benefits you will actually use
   
5. Rating method (community vs attained-age)
   
6. Availability of other lower-priced carriers