Physicians Mutual Medicare Supplement Review
Physicians Mutual may not offer as many standard Medigap plan types as some competitors, and they have higher premiums and limited availability in certain states.
However, their “Innovative” Plan G may be attractive due to potentially lower long-term premiums.
- Innovative plans receive special approval from the insurance commissioner to include new or different benefits beyond those in the standard version of a plan.
Physicians Mutual covers about 150,000 Medigap beneficiaries overall and holds about a 1% share of the total Medicare Supplement insurance market, making them a minor player in the industry.
Let’s explore some more details about Physicians Mutual to help you determine if it’s the right fit for you.
Pros:
- Offers a unique, Innovative Plan G option
- Household premium discounts of up to 10%
- Access to fitness benefits through Silver&Fit
Cons:
- Only offered in 30 states + Washington D.C.
- Higher premiums than other leading competitors
- Negative member reviews
Should you consider Physicians Mutual?
If you’re considering Innovative Plan G, Physicians Mutual might be worth exploring, especially if you’re healthy and okay with a higher deductible and average customer service.
However, we think there’s room for improvement in their standard Medigap plan pricing and complaint rates.
Is Physicians Mutual Available in Every State?
Physicians Mutual offers Medigap plans exclusively in the following states:
| Alabama | Kentucky | Oklahoma |
| Arizona | Louisiana | Pennsylvania |
| Arkansas | Maryland | South Carolina |
| California | Michigan | South Dakota |
| Colorado | Mississippi | Tennessee |
| Delaware | Missouri | Texas |
| Florida | Nebraska | Utah |
| Georgia | Nevada | Virginia |
| Illinois | North Carolina | Washington, D.C. |
| Indiana | Ohio | Wisconsin |
| Iowa |
Physicians Mutual Medigap Plan Options
Physicians Mutual offers standardized Medigap Plans A, G, F, and N.
Plan A
Physicians Mutual’s Plan A offers basic coverage, including Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment, and the first three pints of blood.
Plan G
Physicians Mutual offers three versions of Plan G, including its own unique version, Innovative Plan G.
- #1. Standard Plan G (most popular) – provides comprehensive coverage, covering all but the Medicare Part B deductible
- #2. Innovative Plan G –includes lifetime premium savings, a disappearing deductible after the third year, and unlimited preventive care benefits (all other benefits are the same as standard Plan G).
- #3. High-Deductible Plan G – designed for individuals who prefer lower upfront premium costs with a higher annual deductible.
How Does The Innovative Medigap Plan G Work?
Physicians Mutual’s Innovative Medicare Supplement Plan G is designed to offer long-term premium savings by incorporating an initial deductible period.
Here’s how it works:
Initial Deductible Period (First Three Years):
- Deductible Amount: For the first three calendar years of the policy, you are responsible for an annual plan deductible before the plan begins to pay benefits. As of 2025, this deductible is $2,870, though it may increase annually.
- Coverage Details: During this period, after you’ve met the annual deductible, the plan covers the same benefits as a standard Plan G, excluding preventive benefits, which are covered without applying the deductible.
Post-Deductible Period (After Three Years):
- Deductible Elimination: Starting January 1 following your third calendar year with the policy, the annual deductible is eliminated.
- Continued Premium Savings: Even after the deductible is removed, you continue to benefit from lower premiums compared to standard Plan G rates.
Additional Features:
- Preventive Benefits Plus Rider: For an additional monthly fee (less than $10), you can add this rider to receive benefits for preventive services not covered by Medicare, such as routine physical exams, health screenings, and routine blood work. This rider also grants access to the Silver&Fit® program, which includes fitness center memberships and home fitness kits.
- Second-Chance Guarantee: New policyholders have the option to switch to another plan once within the first two years without answering health questions, providing flexibility if your healthcare needs change.
This plan is particularly advantageous if you anticipate lower medical expenses during the initial years and prefer to secure lower premiums in the long term. However, it’s essential to assess your healthcare needs and financial situation to determine if this plan aligns with your expectations.
Plan N
Medicare Supplement Plan N is a Medigap policy designed to cover some of the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover. It is often considered a middle-ground option between Plan G (more comprehensive but higher premium) and Plan A (the most basic Medigap plan).
How Plan N Works
- Covers Medicare Part A Coinsurance: Pays for inpatient hospital stays after Medicare’s deductible is met.
- Covers Part A Deductible: Unlike Plan A, it covers the Part A hospital deductible ($1,667 in 2025 per benefit period).
- Covers Part B Coinsurance: However, you may have to pay up to a $20 copay for office visits and $50 for emergency room visits (waived if admitted).
- Covers Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance.
- Covers Foreign Travel Emergency (80%).
- Does Not Cover the Part B Deductible: You pay the annual deductible ($240 in 2024).
- Does Not Cover Part B Excess Charges: If a doctor does not accept Medicare assignment, they can charge up to 15% more than Medicare’s approved amount, and Plan N won’t cover it.
Is Plan N a Better Option?
- Compared to Plan A: Yes, Plan N offers significantly better coverage, including the Part A deductible and skilled nursing care.
- Compared to Plan G: It depends:
- If you want a lower premium, Plan N is more affordable than Plan G.
- If you want no excess charges and no copays, Plan G is better.
- If your doctors accept Medicare assignment, Plan N could save you money.
Who Should Choose Plan N?
- Those comfortable with small copays for doctor visits and ER visits.
- Those who don’t see doctors who charge excess fees.
- Those looking for a balance between coverage and affordability.
Plan F
Physicians Mutual also offers Plan F, which is considered the most comprehensive Medigap plan available. It covers all Medicare-approved expenses not covered by Medicare Part A and B, including deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
However, it’s important to note that Plan F is no longer available for new Medicare beneficiaries as of 2020.
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Bonus tip:
Physicians Mutual offers a “second-chance guarantee,” under which new members can switch to another Medigap policy within the first two years without having to answer any health questions.
Comparing Physicians Mutual Rates To Other Top Companies
When considering a Medicare Supplement plan from Physicians Mutual, it’s essential to compare their premium rates with other providers to ensure you’re getting the best value.
We’ve analyzed Plan G premiums from Physicians Mutual and compared them to Aflac, Allstate, Cigna, and ACE across different states.
The findings are clear: Physicians Mutual tends to be the most expensive option in nearly every case.
Physicians Mutual vs. Competitors – Plan G Premiums
| State | Zip Code | Physicians Mutual | Allstate | ACE | Aflac | Cigna | % More Expensive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 79936 | $140.46 | $117.48 | $127.50 | $130.91 | $132.64 | 19.5% Higher (Allstate) |
| Florida | 32507 | $235.03 | $219.87 | $218.00 | $206.89 | $190.13 | 23.6% Higher (Cigna) |
| Georgia | 30044 | $269.81 | $141.37 | $158.58 | $174.63 | $170.03 | 90.8% Higher (Allstate) |
| Illinois | 60629 | $165.93 | $135.77 | $145.42 | $155.60 | $157.70 | 22.2% Higher (Allstate) |
| Louisiana | 70124 | $183.73 | $149.56 | $162.25 | $161.03 | $171.01 | 22.8% Higher (Allstate) |
| Alabama | 35758 | $163.68 | $149.61 | $131.00 | $138.99 | $160.41 | 24.9% Higher (ACE) |
| Michigan | 48476 | $160.01 | $158.16 | $144.17 | $157.91 | $169.77 | 11.0% Higher (ACE) |
| Ohio | 43223 | $150.41 | $122.31 | $133.17 | $129.04 | $127.49 | 23.0% Higher (Allstate) |
In a nutshell:
Does Physicians Mutual Offer Discounts?
Physicians Mutual offers up to 10% in premium discounts for various situations, including:
- Living with a spouse or another adult aged 60+
- Not using tobacco
- Setting up automatic payments from your bank account
Just a heads-up: discount availability can vary based on where you live and other factors.
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Additional policies:
Physicians Mutual also offers dental, life, cancer, and pet insurance.
Member Reviews and Ratings
Physicians Mutual has earned strong financial ratings, with an A from A.M. Best and an A+ from Weiss Ratings, highlighting its solid financial stability.
On the other hand, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, complaints about Physicians Mutual are about 53% higher than the average for Medigap providers.
Plus, they spend around 74.7% of premiums on member benefits, leaving 25.3% for overhead like admin costs, marketing, and salaries. The industry average for member benefits is 80.4%.
When to Enroll With Physicians Mutual
The best time to sign up for a Physicians Mutual Medicare Supplement plan is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This six-month window starts on the first day of the month you turn 65.
You’ll need to have Part B Medicare benefits before enrolling in a Medicare Supplement insurance plan with Physicians Mutual.
If you decide to apply after this time frame, Physicians Mutual might perform medical underwriting, which could change your premiums or even result in denial based on your health.
Final Verdict
If you’re thinking about Innovative Plan G, Physicians Mutual could be a great choice, especially if you’re in good health, comfortable with a higher deductible, and okay with average customer service.
Otherwise, the premiums for standard Medigap plans could be up to 19% higher.
I recommend checking out a few providers and chatting with a licensed insurance agent for advice tailored to you. We’re happy to help you find plans available in your area.
Sources: Physicians Mutual | Medigap Plan Options
FAQs
- What is the star rating for Physicians Mutual?
- What is the second-chance guarantee offered by Physicians Mutual?
- How does the Innovative Plan G offered by Physicians Mutual work?
