Medicare Supplement Plan G vs Plan N — 2026 Comparison
Compare Plan G and Plan N side by side. Understand the coverage differences, typical premium savings, and which plan fits your healthcare needs in 2026.
Plan G provides more complete coverage at a higher monthly cost. Plan N saves 15–25% on premiums in exchange for small copayments and no excess charge protection. The right choice depends on how often you use medical services and whether your doctors accept Medicare assignment.
Plan G vs Plan N: Side-by-Side Comparison
Both Plan G and Plan N 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 | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium (age 65) | $100–$280 (varies by state) | $80–$220 (typically 15–25% less than Plan G) |
| Part B deductible ($257 in 2026) | Not covered — you pay $257/year | Not covered — you pay $257/year |
| Doctor office visit copay | $0 — fully covered after deductible | Up to $20 copay per visit |
| Emergency room copay | $0 | Up to $50 (waived if admitted) |
| Part B excess charges | ✓ Fully covered | ✗ Not covered — you pay up to 15% above Medicare rate |
| Skilled nursing facility | ✓ Fully covered | ✓ Fully covered |
| Foreign travel emergency | ✓ Covered (up to limits) | ✓ Covered (up to limits) |
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 Plan N Covers
Medicare Supplement Plan N is the second most popular Medigap plan. It covers the Part A deductible, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and foreign travel emergencies, but requires copayments for some doctor visits (up to $20) and emergency room visits (up to $50 if not admitted). Plan N does not cover the Part B deductible or Part B excess charges. Its premiums are typically 15–25% lower than Plan G.
- 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 — Up to $20 copay for some office visits; up to $50 ER copay if not admitted
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance: Fully covered
- Foreign travel emergency coverage (up to plan limits): Fully covered
Who Should Choose Plan G?
Beneficiaries who visit the doctor frequently, have chronic conditions requiring regular specialist care, or want maximum predictability in their annual healthcare costs.
Who Should Choose Plan N?
Generally healthy beneficiaries who visit the doctor a few times per year, primarily see Medicare-assignment doctors, and want to save $20–$50+ per month in premiums.
Annual Cost Analysis: Plan G vs Plan N
Because Medigap plan benefits are standardized, choosing between Plan G and Plan N 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 Plan N 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
How much cheaper is Plan N than Plan G?
Plan N premiums are typically 15–25% lower than Plan G for the same insurer. For a 65-year-old, this might mean $20–$60/month in savings. The actual difference varies significantly by state, insurer, age, and gender.
What are Part B excess charges?
When a doctor does not accept Medicare assignment, they can charge up to 15% more than Medicare's approved amount. This extra amount is the "excess charge." Plan G covers it; Plan N does not. Most doctors (about 97%) do accept Medicare assignment, so this is a minor risk for most people — but it's worth confirming with any specialist you see regularly.
Can the Plan N copays add up significantly?
If you have many doctor visits per year, the copays can add up. At $20 per visit, 10 doctor visits per year = $200 in copays. Plus the $257 Part B deductible. Compare this to the premium savings to determine which plan is more cost-effective for your situation.
Which plan has lower premium increases over time?
Both Plan G and Plan N use attained-age rating in most states, meaning premiums increase as you age. Historical rate increase patterns vary by insurer, not by plan letter. Research an insurer's premium increase history before enrolling in either plan.
Can I switch from Plan N to Plan G?
You can apply to switch to Plan G, but outside your Open Enrollment Period, insurers can require medical underwriting in most states (exceptions include CA, FL, OR birthday rule states and NY/NJ year-round guaranteed issue). You could be denied or charged a higher premium based on health conditions.
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.