Medicare Supplement Plan N vs Plan F — 2026 Comparison
Compare Plan N and Plan F. Plan N has lower premiums but copays and no excess charge coverage. Plan F has more coverage but costs more and is only for pre-2020 enrollees.
Plan N is available to all new Medicare beneficiaries and offers good coverage at competitive premiums. Plan F is not available to new enrollees (post-January 1, 2020). For pre-2020 enrollees comparing both, the annual savings from Plan N's lower premiums typically outweigh the value of Plan F's additional coverage.
Plan N vs Plan F: Side-by-Side Comparison
Both Plan N and Plan F 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 N | Plan F |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | All new enrollees | Pre-January 1, 2020 only |
| Part B deductible | Not covered | Fully covered |
| Doctor visit copay | Up to $20 | $0 |
| Part B excess charges | Not covered | Fully covered |
| Monthly premium (age 65) | $80–$220 | $150–$350 |
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 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
What Plan F Covers
Plan F was historically the most comprehensive Medigap plan, covering all Medicare cost-sharing including the Part B deductible. However, the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) prohibited new Medicare beneficiaries who became eligible on or after January 1, 2020, from enrolling in Plan F. If you became eligible for Medicare before that date, you may still enroll in Plan F if it is available in your state.
- 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 deductible ($257 in 2026): 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
Who Should Choose Plan N?
Healthy new Medicare enrollees who want affordable coverage with minimal out-of-pocket surprises.
Who Should Choose Plan F?
Pre-2020 enrollees who want zero-cost-sharing on all Medicare-covered services and are willing to pay the higher premium.
Availability: Plan F is only available to beneficiaries with a Medicare Part A effective date before January 1, 2020.
Annual Cost Analysis: Plan N vs Plan F
Because Medigap plan benefits are standardized, choosing between Plan N and Plan F 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 N and Plan F 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
Can I enroll in Plan N if I missed Plan F?
If your Medicare Part A start date is on or after January 1, 2020, you cannot enroll in Plan F regardless. Plan N is one of the most comprehensive plans available to you. Plan G is the most comprehensive.
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.