Medicare Supplement Plan G vs High-Deductible Plan G — 2026 Comparison
Plan G vs High-Deductible Plan G: lower premiums vs. higher deductible. Which is better for healthy seniors? A detailed 2026 cost analysis.
HD Plan G offers premiums of $30–$80/month vs $100–$280/month for standard Plan G. The trade-off: you pay all Medicare cost-sharing until you reach the $2,870 annual deductible (2026). If you rarely use healthcare, HD Plan G can save $1,000+ per year. If you have major medical needs, standard Plan G provides more predictable protection.
Plan G vs HD Plan G: Side-by-Side Comparison
Both Plan G and HD Plan G are federally standardized Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans. Every insurer that sells these plans must provide identical benefits — the only variable is the monthly premium. The table below highlights where the two plans differ.
| Feature | Plan G | HD Plan G |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium (age 65) | $100–$280 | $30–$80 |
| Annual deductible | None | $2,870 in 2026 |
| Coverage after deductible met | Immediate — same as Plan G | Same as Plan G (all Medicare-approved costs) |
| Potential annual premium savings | N/A — baseline | $840–$2,400/year less than Plan G |
| Worst-case annual out-of-pocket | $257 (Part B deductible only) | $2,870 deductible + $257 Part B deductible |
| Best for | Frequent medical users or those wanting predictability | Healthy seniors who rarely need care |
Premium estimates are for a 65-year-old non-smoking female. Actual premiums vary by state, insurer, age, gender, and tobacco use. Source: Medicare.gov plan finder data, April 2026.
What Plan G Covers
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.
- Part A coinsurance & hospital costs (up to 365 days after Medicare): Fully covered
- Part A deductible ($1,676 in 2026): Fully covered
- Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment: Fully covered
- Part B coinsurance or copayment (20% of outpatient costs): Fully covered
- Part B excess charges (above Medicare-approved amount): Fully covered
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance: Fully covered
- Foreign travel emergency coverage (up to plan limits): Fully covered — Up to plan limits after $250 deductible; 80% covered up to $50,000 lifetime
What HD Plan G Covers
High-Deductible Plan G has the same coverage as standard Plan G but requires you to pay all Medicare cost-sharing out of pocket until you reach the annual deductible ($2,870 in 2026). After meeting that deductible, the plan covers all costs that standard Plan G would cover. Monthly premiums for HD Plan G are significantly lower than standard Plan G — typically $30 to $80 per month.
- Part A coinsurance & hospital costs (up to 365 days after Medicare): Fully covered — After $2,870 annual deductible met (2026)
- Part A deductible ($1,676 in 2026): Fully covered — After annual deductible met
- Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment: Fully covered
- Part B coinsurance or copayment (20% of outpatient costs): Fully covered — After annual deductible met
- Part B excess charges (above Medicare-approved amount): Fully covered — After annual deductible met
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance: Fully covered — After annual deductible met
- Foreign travel emergency coverage (up to plan limits): Fully covered
Who Should Choose Plan G?
Beneficiaries with chronic conditions, those who need specialist visits regularly, or anyone who values predictable, minimal out-of-pocket costs throughout the year.
Who Should Choose HD Plan G?
Generally healthy seniors who have rarely needed hospitalization or specialist care, who can financially absorb up to $2,870 in a bad year, and who want to save significantly on monthly premiums.
Annual Cost Analysis: Plan G vs HD Plan G
Because Medigap plan benefits are standardized, choosing between Plan G and HD Plan G is primarily a financial decision. The right plan depends on how much healthcare you use and your comfort with out-of-pocket exposure vs. higher monthly premiums.
To do your own cost analysis, estimate your annual healthcare usage (number of doctor visits, specialist visits, potential hospitalizations) and multiply the copays or cost-sharing amounts by those estimates. Add your annual premium. Compare the totals.
Important: premium savings in good health years are real money now. But a major illness or hospitalization can quickly make the more comprehensive plan worth it. Consider your health history and risk tolerance.
How to Get the Best Rate
Because benefits are standardized, the only reason to choose one insurer over another is the premium and the company's premium increase history. Follow these steps:
- Decide between Plan G and HD Plan G based on the cost analysis above.
- Get quotes from multiple insurers for the plan letter you've chosen. Use Medicare.gov's Plan Finder or a licensed broker who works with multiple companies.
- Compare premium increase history. Ask insurers for rate increase data for the past 3–5 years. A lower starting premium is worth less if it rises aggressively each year.
- Enroll during your Open Enrollment Period if possible — the 6-month window starting when you're both 65+ and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window, you have guaranteed issue rights and cannot be denied or charged more based on health conditions.
- Consider free SHIP counseling — State Health Insurance Assistance Program counselors are trained volunteers who don't sell insurance and can help you compare options. Find your local SHIP at shiphelp.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HD Plan G deductible in 2026?
The High-Deductible Plan G deductible is $2,870 in 2026. This amount is set annually by CMS and adjusts based on national Medicare per-capita expenditures.
How do I calculate whether HD Plan G is worth it?
Compare annual premium savings vs. typical out-of-pocket costs. Example: Standard Plan G costs $150/month, HD Plan G costs $50/month — you save $1,200/year in premiums. You come out ahead as long as your actual healthcare costs don't exceed $2,870 in any given year. For most healthy 65-year-olds, this is a good bet.
Is HD Plan G harder to get than standard Plan G?
No. HD Plan G has the same underwriting rules as standard Plan G. It is available with guaranteed issue during your Open Enrollment Period, and subject to medical underwriting outside that window (same rules apply).
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.