Plan G vs. Plan N: Quick Overview
Since Plan F became unavailable to new Medicare beneficiaries in 2020, Plan G and Plan N have emerged as the two most popular Medigap choices. Both cover the vast majority of out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare leaves behind — they just differ in a few key areas.
Complete Coverage Comparison
| Benefit | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part A hospital coinsurance + 365 extra days | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| Part B coinsurance/copay | ✅ 100% covered | ✅ Covered with copays* |
| Blood (first 3 pints) | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| Part A hospice coinsurance | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| Part A deductible ($1,676 in 2026) | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) | ❌ Not covered | ❌ Not covered |
| Part B excess charges | ✅ Covered | ❌ Not covered |
| Foreign travel emergency (80%) | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
*Plan N requires a $20 copay for office visits and up to $50 copay for ER visits not resulting in an inpatient admission.
2026 Monthly Premium Comparison by State
Premiums vary significantly by state, age, gender, and carrier. Here are representative monthly premiums for a 65-year-old female non-smoker:
| State | Plan G (Monthly) | Plan N (Monthly) | Monthly Savings with N | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $165 | $118 | $47 | $564 |
| Texas | $148 | $108 | $40 | $480 |
| California | $172 | $125 | $47 | $564 |
| New York | $285 | $215 | $70 | $840 |
| Ohio | $128 | $92 | $36 | $432 |
| Pennsylvania | $142 | $105 | $37 | $444 |
| Illinois | $155 | $112 | $43 | $516 |
| National Average | $155 | $112 | $43 | $516 |
The Math: When Plan N Saves You Money
Plan N's lower premium comes with cost-sharing. To determine which plan actually costs less, you need to calculate your total annual costs:
Plan G Total Annual Cost:
Plan N Total Annual Cost:
Break-Even Calculation (National Averages):
Plan G annual cost:** ($155 × 12) + $283 = **$2,143
Plan N annual cost:** ($112 × 12) + $283 + ($20 × doctor visits) = **$1,627 + ($20 × visits)
Break-even point: $2,117 = $1,601 + ($20 × visits)
$516 ÷ $20 = 25.8 doctor visits per year
If you visit the doctor fewer than 26 times per year, Plan N saves you money. The average Medicare beneficiary has 7–10 office visits annually, making Plan N the cheaper option for most people.
Who Should Choose Plan G?
Who Should Choose Plan N?
The Excess Charge Question
Plan G covers Part B excess charges; Plan N does not. Should you worry?
The reality: Fewer than 1% of Medicare claims involve excess charges. Only doctors who are "non-participating" (they accept Medicare rates but haven't signed the participation agreement) can charge up to 15% above the Medicare-approved amount.
Example: If the Medicare-approved amount for a visit is $200, a non-participating doctor could charge up to $230. The $30 excess is your responsibility with Plan N. Plan G covers it.
Practical advice: Before choosing a doctor, check if they're a participating Medicare provider at Medicare.gov. If all your regular doctors participate, excess charges are a non-issue and shouldn't drive your Plan G vs. Plan N decision.
How Medigap Premiums Change Over Time
Medigap premiums increase over time, but the rate of increase depends on the pricing method your carrier uses:
| Pricing Method | How It Works | Common In |
|---|---|---|
| Community-rated | Same premium regardless of age | NY, CT, MA, VT, WA, ME |
| Issue-age-rated | Based on age when you bought it, doesn't increase with age | Several states |
| Attained-age-rated | Based on current age, increases as you get older | Most common nationwide |
With attained-age pricing, expect premiums to increase 2–5% annually due to age alone, plus potential general rate increases. A Plan G that costs $155/month at age 65 might cost $250–$300/month by age 80.
Tips for Choosing and Saving
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Medigap Plan G or Plan N cheaper?
Does Plan G cover the Part B deductible?
What is a Part B excess charge?
Can I switch from Plan G to Plan N later?
When is the best time to buy a Medigap plan?
Jennifer Walsh
Editorial Lead, Health & Medicare
Jennifer Walsh is the editorial lead for Cover Forge USA's health and Medicare coverage. Editorial work focuses on ACA marketplace plan tiers, Cost-Sharing Reductions, Medicare Initial Enrollment Periods, the 2026 Part D out-of-pocket cap, Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap trade-offs, and the No Surprises Act. Sources cited include CMS publications, Medicare.gov consumer guidance, HHS rule-making, and healthcare.gov enrollment documentation. This is an editorial pen name representing the Cover Forge USA editorial team's health and Medicare work — not a representation of personal RN licensure or healthcare-navigator credentials.
Reviewed June 2026
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Sources & References
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services – Medigap Policies. https://www.cms.gov/ — Accessed March 2026
- Medicare.gov – Comparing Medigap Policies. https://www.medicare.gov/ — Accessed March 2026
- NAIC – Medicare Supplement Insurance Rate Filing. https://content.naic.org/ — Accessed March 2026
Important Disclaimer
This site provides general educational information only and is not a substitute for professional insurance advice. All rates, data, and coverage details are estimates and may not reflect your actual premiums. Insurance availability and pricing vary by state, insurer, and individual risk factors. Always consult a licensed insurance professional in your state before making coverage decisions.