One of the best parts of turning 65 is that you are finally eligible for Medicare health coverage. While this frees you from many of the high costs found with private insurance, it doesn't mean you are completely off the hook financially. Medicare doesn't cover everything completely, so it necessary to get a secondary plan to cover these gaps. These supplemental plans, sometimes called medigap plans, step in to provide coverage where Medicare stops. Fortunately, they are also available in a range of coverage levels and price points, so it's relatively easy to find one to meet your needs. The following tips can help you out when shopping for medigap coverage.

Tip #1: Know the Plans

Medigap plans are divided into different types, with each different type named after a letter of the alphabet. Each plan with a shared name must offer the exact same coverage. So, for example, Plan F is the same regardless of the private company through which you purchase it. The best way to handle plan choice is to look over the options first and choose the one that offers the coverage you need. Since the coverage is the same for the named plans regardless of the provider, you can then shop around through each private provider quickly by simply comparing their price on the plan of your choice.

Tip #2: Don't Choose the Cheapest Plan

Each plan offers different levels of coverage, with the most basic plans only offering the most basic coverage. This may seem like the way to go, especially if you are relatively healthy, but it can be a costly mistake in the long run. It only takes one major illness or injury to quickly deplete your Medicare benefits for the year. If your medigap coverage doesn't cover the difference, then you will have to pay for it out of pocket. The better choice is to purchase the most comprehensive medigap coverage that you can comfortably afford.

Tip #3: Know Your Future Plans

It's also a good idea to keep your life goals and plans in mind, so you can pick the medigap plan that is most likely to serve you well. For example, if you are planning on taking up mountain biking in your retirement, making sure physical therapy or recuperative in-home coverage is part of your plan is a good idea in case you get injured. If travel is on the schedule, make sure you have a medigap plan that covers health care emergencies when you are outside of the country. Once again, an emergency can leave you financially drained if you aren't covered. Visit a site like http://scis.us for more information.