Medicare Supplement Plan G vs Plan N: Which Is Right for You in 2026?
If you're turning 65 or reviewing your Medicare coverage, you've likely encountered two names more than any other: Plan G and Plan N. These are the two most popular Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans sold in the United States today — and for good reason. They fill in the significant gaps that Original Medicare leaves behind.
Choosing between them isn't always obvious. Plan G offers broader coverage while Plan N costs less each month. The right choice depends on how often you visit doctors, whether you see specialists, and how much financial risk you're comfortable carrying.
What Is Medicare Supplement Insurance?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers roughly 80% of your approved healthcare costs. The remaining 20% — plus deductibles, copays, and hospital coinsurance — falls to you. For someone with significant health needs, that 20% can add up to thousands of dollars per year.
Medicare Supplement insurance, also called Medigap, is private insurance that pays those remaining costs. You pay a monthly premium to the Medigap insurer, and in return, they cover most or all of your out-of-pocket Medicare costs.
All Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government, meaning a Plan G from one insurer covers exactly the same benefits as a Plan G from any other insurer. The only difference between insurers is the monthly premium they charge.
Plan G: The Most Comprehensive Coverage
Plan G is the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement plan available to new Medicare enrollees since 2020. It covers nearly everything Medicare doesn't.
What Plan G covers:
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (up to 365 additional days after Medicare benefits are exhausted)
- Part B coinsurance (the 20% Medicare doesn't pay)
- Part A hospice care coinsurance
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
- Part A deductible ($1,632 in 2026)
- Part B excess charges (when doctors charge more than Medicare's approved amount)
- Foreign travel emergency coverage (80%, up to plan limits)
- Blood (first 3 pints)
What Plan G does NOT cover:
- The Part B annual deductible ($240 in 2026) — the only gap
Once you pay the Part B deductible each year, Plan G covers 100% of your remaining Medicare-approved costs. For people with frequent healthcare needs, this predictability is extremely valuable.
Plan N: Lower Premiums With Some Cost-Sharing
Plan N covers most of the same benefits as Plan G but requires small copayments for certain services. In exchange, monthly premiums are typically $20–$50 lower than Plan G.
What Plan N covers:
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
- Part B coinsurance (with copays — see below)
- Part A hospice care coinsurance
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
- Part A deductible
- Foreign travel emergency coverage (80%, up to plan limits)
- Blood (first 3 pints)
What Plan N does NOT cover:
- The Part B annual deductible ($240 in 2026)
- Part B excess charges (you pay the difference if a doctor charges above Medicare rates)
- Copayments: up to $20 per office visit, up to $50 per emergency room visit (waived if admitted)
Plan G vs Plan N: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Benefit | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part A hospital coinsurance | Covered | Covered |
| Part B coinsurance | Covered (100%) | Covered (with copays) |
| Part A deductible | Covered | Covered |
| Part B deductible | NOT covered | NOT covered |
| Part B excess charges | Covered | NOT covered |
| Skilled nursing coinsurance | Covered | Covered |
| Foreign travel emergency | 80% covered | 80% covered |
| Office visit copay | None | Up to $20 |
| ER visit copay | None | Up to $50 |
| Typical monthly premium | $120–$200 | $80–$160 |
Which Plan Is Right for You?
Choose Plan G if:
- You visit doctors or specialists frequently (4+ times per year)
- You want complete predictability — no surprise bills
- You see doctors who may charge Part B excess charges
- You value simplicity and don't want to track copays
- Your health is complex and you expect significant medical costs
Choose Plan N if:
- You're generally healthy and visit doctors infrequently
- You want to save $20–$50 per month on premiums
- All your doctors accept Medicare assignment (no excess charges)
- You're comfortable with small copays at office and ER visits
- You're willing to pay the Part B deductible each year
The Math: When Does Plan G Pay Off?
The break-even calculation is straightforward. If Plan G costs $40 more per month than Plan N, that's $480 per year in extra premiums.
With Plan N, you could pay up to $240 (Part B deductible) + $20 per office visit + $50 per ER visit. If you have 5 doctor visits and 1 ER visit per year, that's $240 + $100 + $50 = $390 in potential out-of-pocket costs — less than the $480 premium difference.
But if you have 15 doctor visits per year: $240 + $300 = $540 in copays, which exceeds the $480 premium difference. In that case, Plan G saves you money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from Plan N to Plan G later? Yes, but you may need to pass medical underwriting unless you're in a guaranteed issue period (such as when you first enroll in Medicare or lose other coverage). If you develop health issues, you could be denied or charged higher premiums.
Are Plan G and Plan N available in all states? Yes, both plans are available nationwide. However, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have their own standardized Medigap plans that differ from the federal standard.
Do Plan G and Plan N cover prescription drugs? No. Neither plan covers prescription drugs. You'll need a separate Part D prescription drug plan for medication coverage.
When is the best time to enroll? The best time is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period — the 6-month window that begins when you're 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on health conditions.
Get Your Medicare Supplement Quote Today
Both Plan G and Plan N offer excellent coverage compared to Original Medicare alone. The right choice comes down to your health, how often you use medical services, and your budget.
Ready to compare Plan G and Plan N rates in your area? InsuraFix's licensed agents can show you quotes from multiple top-rated carriers side by side, so you can make the most informed decision for your health and your wallet.