Medicare Supplement Plan G — Complete 2026 Guide
Medicare Supplement Plan G is the most widely chosen plan for new Medicare beneficiaries as of 2026. It covers nearly everything that Plan F covers, with the single exception of the Part B deductible ($257 in 2026). Plan G covers the Part A deductible, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, Part B excess charges, and foreign travel emergencies — providing comprehensive, predictable coverage with only one annual out-of-pocket expense.
What Plan G Covers
Below is the complete coverage table for Plan G. This is the federally standardized benefit chart — every insurer selling Plan G must provide these exact benefits.
| Medicare Cost | Plan G Covers? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance & hospital costs (up to 365 days after Medicare) | Covered | — |
| Part A deductible ($1,676 in 2026) | Covered | — |
| Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment | Covered | — |
| Part B coinsurance or copayment (20% of outpatient costs) | Covered | — |
| Part B deductible ($257 in 2026) | Not Covered | The only cost you pay — $257 in 2026 |
| Part B excess charges (above Medicare-approved amount) | Covered | — |
| Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance | Covered | — |
| Foreign travel emergency coverage (up to plan limits) | Covered | Up to plan limits after $250 deductible; 80% covered up to $50,000 lifetime |
Source: CMS standardized Medigap benefit chart. CMS Publication 02110.
Who Should Choose Plan G?
Beneficiaries who want comprehensive, predictable coverage and are willing to pay the annual Part B deductible ($257 in 2026) themselves.
Average Plan G Premiums by State (2026)
Premiums for Plan G vary significantly by state due to differences in rating laws, local healthcare costs, and insurer competition. The table below shows estimates for a 65-year-old non-smoking female. Your actual premium will depend on your age, gender, tobacco use, and the specific insurer you choose.
Always get multiple quotes before choosing an insurer. Use the official Medicare Plan Finder or a licensed broker who represents multiple companies.
| State | Est. Monthly Premium (Age 65) | Rating Method | Special Protections |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | ~$165/mo | community | ✓ Birthday Rule ✓ Community Rated |
| Florida | ~$175/mo | attained age | Federal standard |
| Texas | ~$138/mo | attained age | Federal standard |
| New York | ~$260/mo | community | ✓ Community Rated |
| Pennsylvania | ~$152/mo | attained age | Federal standard |
| Ohio | ~$124/mo | attained age | Federal standard |
| Illinois | ~$140/mo | attained age | Federal standard |
| North Carolina | ~$132/mo | attained age | Federal standard |
| Michigan | ~$132/mo | attained age | Federal standard |
| Georgia | ~$125/mo | attained age | Federal standard |
* Estimates based on Medicare.gov plan finder data sampling, April 2026. Premiums vary by insurer, age, gender, and tobacco use. Verify current rates at Medicare.gov.
How Plan G Compares to Other Plans
The right Medigap plan depends on your health, how often you use medical services, and how much premium you're comfortable paying. Here are the key comparisons for Plan G:
Plan G vs Plan N
Plan N has lower monthly premiums than Plan G — typically 15–25% less. The trade-off is copayments of up to $20 for some doctor visits and up to $50 for ER visits that don't result in admission, plus no coverage for Part B excess charges. If you're generally healthy and primarily see Medicare-assignment doctors, Plan N may save you money. Full comparison: Plan G vs Plan N →
Plan G vs Plan F
Plan F covers the Part B deductible ($257 in 2026) while Plan G does not. However, Plan F is not available to new enrollees (Part A after Jan 1, 2020). For those who qualify, Plan F's premium often exceeds Plan G's by more than $257/year, making Plan G the better value. Full comparison: Plan G vs Plan F →
Plan G vs High-Deductible Plan G
HD Plan G has much lower premiums ($30–$80/month vs $100–$280/month) but requires you to pay the $2,870 annual deductible out of pocket before coverage kicks in. It's a good fit for healthy seniors who want catastrophic protection at minimal monthly cost. Full comparison: Plan G vs HD Plan G →
How to Enroll in Plan G
You can enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan through any private insurance company that sells Medigap plans in your state. Here's the process:
- Confirm eligibility: You must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Most people are first eligible at age 65.
- Enroll during your Open Enrollment Period: Your 6-month OEP begins when you're both 65 and enrolled in Part B. During this window, you have guaranteed issue rights — insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge more based on your health.
- Get quotes from multiple insurers: Because benefits are standardized, the only variable is the premium. Use Medicare.gov or a licensed broker.
- Complete the application: Outside your OEP, insurers can require medical underwriting in most states (exceptions: CA, NY, NJ, OR, FL birthday rules; MA, WI, MN unique rules).
- Pair with a Part D plan: Medigap does not cover prescription drugs. You'll need a separate Part D plan for drug coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Plan G more popular than Plan F?
Since Plan F is no longer available to new Medicare enrollees (those eligible after Jan 1, 2020), Plan G has become the most comprehensive plan available to most people. It covers everything Plan F does except the Part B deductible, and its premiums are typically lower because its risk pool is healthier.
What is my only out-of-pocket cost with Plan G?
With Plan G, you pay only the annual Part B deductible once per year — $257 in 2026. After that, Plan G covers all Medicare-approved expenses for the rest of the year.
Does Plan G cover dental, vision, or hearing?
No. Like all Medigap plans, Plan G only supplements Original Medicare (Parts A and B). It does not cover dental, vision, hearing aids, or prescription drugs. For drug coverage, you need a separate Part D plan.
How much does Plan G cost in 2026?
Plan G premiums vary significantly by state, age, gender, and tobacco use. Nationally, premiums typically range from $100 to $280 per month. States like Florida and New York tend to have higher premiums; states in the South and Midwest tend to be lower.
This site provides general information about Medicare Supplement insurance and medical alert devices. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or any government agency. This is not medical or insurance advice. Always consult a licensed insurance professional for personalized guidance.
Medicare rules, premiums, and plan availability change annually. Always verify current information with Medicare.gov, your State Insurance Department, or a licensed insurance advisor. For free, unbiased help, contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) at shiphelp.org.
Sources
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap). medicare.gov. Retrieved June 2026.
- CMS. Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare. Publication 02110. cms.gov. Retrieved June 2026.
- CMS. 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles. cms.gov. Retrieved June 2026.