Medigap Plan G vs Plan N: Which Is Better in 2026?
Medigap Plan G vs Plan N: Which Is Better in 2026?
TL;DR Quick Answer
Plan G is better if you visit doctors frequently, want predictable costs, or travel internationally. Plan G covers 100% of Medicare-approved expenses after the Part B deductible ($257 in 2026), with no copays or excess charges.
Plan N is better if you’re healthy, rarely see doctors, and want the lowest monthly premium. Plan N costs $30-$50 less per month but requires $20 copays for doctor visits, $50 copays for ER visits, and doesn’t cover Part B excess charges.
The break-even point is typically 3-4 doctor visits per year. If you visit doctors more than 4 times annually, Plan G usually saves money overall.
Key Takeaways
- Plan G covers more: No copays, no excess charges, includes foreign travel emergency coverage (80% up to lifetime $50,000)
- Plan N costs less monthly: $30-$50/month lower premiums but requires copays ($20 doctor, $50 ER) and excludes excess charges
- Break-even calculation: If you visit doctors 4+ times per year, Plan G typically saves money despite higher premiums
- Plan G is closing: Plan G is no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries as of January 1, 2020 (only Plan G “High Deductible” remains open)
- Both outperform original Medicare: Either plan dramatically reduces out-of-pocket costs compared to Medicare alone
Complete Coverage Comparison: Plan G vs Plan N
What Both Plans Cover
Both Plan G and Plan N cover the following benefits:
| Benefit | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance & hospital costs | ✅ 100% | ✅ 100% |
| Part A hospice coinsurance | ✅ 100% | ✅ 100% |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance | ✅ 100% | ✅ 100% |
| Part B coinsurance (after deductible) | ✅ 100% | ✅ 100% (with copays) |
| First 3 pints of blood | ✅ 100% | ✅ 100% |
| Part A deductible | ✅ 100% | ✅ 100% |
Key Differences
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part B deductible | ✅ You pay ($257 in 2026) | ✅ You pay ($257 in 2026) |
| Doctor visit copays | ❌ None | $20 per visit |
| ER visit copays | ❌ None | $50 per visit (waived if admitted) |
| Part B excess charges | ✅ 100% covered | ❌ You pay (up to 15% more) |
| Foreign travel emergency | ✅ 80% up to $50,000 lifetime | ✅ 80% up to $50,000 lifetime |
| At-home recovery | ❌ Not covered | ❌ Not covered |
Understanding Part B Excess Charges
This is the most misunderstood difference between Plan G and Plan N.
What are excess charges? Some doctors don’t accept Medicare assignment, meaning they can charge up to 15% more than Medicare’s approved amount. Medicare only pays 80% of the approved amount, leaving you responsible for the remaining 20% plus the extra 15%.
Example:
- Medicare-approved amount for a procedure: $1,000
- Doctor charges (non-participating): $1,150 (15% excess)
- Medicare pays: $800 (80% of $1,000)
- Without Plan G: You pay $200 (20%) + $150 (excess) = $350
- With Plan G: You pay $0 (Plan G covers the excess)
- With Plan N: You pay $150 (excess not covered)
How common are excess charges?
- About 96% of doctors accept Medicare assignment (no excess charges)
- Specialists are more likely to charge excess (surgeons, anesthesiologists)
- Some states prohibit excess charges (CT, MA, MN, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT)
Who Should Choose Plan G?
Plan G is the best choice if you:
1. Visit Doctors Frequently
If you see your primary care physician 4+ times per year, Plan G’s higher premium is offset by avoiding copays.
Break-even example:
- Plan G premium: $150/month ($1,800/year)
- Plan N premium: $120/month ($1,440/year)
- Premium difference: $360/year
- Doctor visits: 5 per year
- Plan N copays: 5 × $20 = $100
- Plan G saves: $360 - $100 = $260/year
2. Have a Chronic Condition
If you manage diabetes, heart disease, COPD, or other conditions requiring regular specialist visits, Plan G’s predictable costs are valuable.
3. Want to Avoid Surprise Bills
Plan G covers excess charges, so you’ll never receive an unexpected bill from a non-participating provider.
4. Travel Internationally
Plan G’s foreign travel emergency coverage (80% up to $50,000 lifetime) provides peace of mind for travelers.
5. Live in a State Without Excess Charge Protection
If you live in a state where doctors can charge excess fees, Plan G protects you from this risk.
Who Should Choose Plan N?
Plan N is the best choice if you:
1. Are Generally Healthy
If you rarely visit doctors (0-2 times per year), Plan N’s lower premiums save you money.
Example:
- Plan G premium: $150/month ($1,800/year)
- Plan N premium: $120/month ($1,440/year)
- Doctor visits: 2 per year
- Plan N copays: 2 × $20 = $40
- Plan N saves: $360 - $40 = $320/year
2. Want the Lowest Monthly Cost
Plan N premiums are typically $30-$50/month lower than Plan G, making it the most affordable comprehensive Medigap option.
3. Only Use Participating Providers
If you carefully verify that all your doctors accept Medicare assignment, you won’t face excess charges.
4. Don’t Travel Abroad
Plan N includes the same foreign travel coverage as Plan G, but if you never travel internationally, this benefit is less important.
5. Live in a State with Excess Charge Protection
In states that prohibit excess charges (CT, MA, MN, NY, OH, PA, RI, VT), Plan N’s exclusion of excess charges doesn’t matter.
Break-Even Calculator: How to Decide
Use this simple formula to determine which plan saves you more:
Annual Premium Difference = (Plan G premium - Plan N premium) × 12
Expected Doctor Visits = Your estimated annual doctor visits
Expected Copays = Expected Doctor Visits × $20
Expected Excess Charges = Estimate based on your providers (0-15% of services)
If Annual Premium Difference > Expected Copays + Expected Excess Charges:
→ Choose Plan N (saves money)
If Annual Premium Difference < Expected Copays + Expected Excess Charges:
→ Choose Plan G (saves money)Example Scenarios
Scenario 1: Healthy Retiree
- Age: 68, good health
- Doctor visits: 2 per year
- Plan G premium: $145/month
- Plan N premium: $115/month
- Annual premium difference: $360
- Expected copays: $40
- Result: Plan N saves $320/year
Scenario 2: Chronic Condition Management
- Age: 72, Type 2 diabetes
- Doctor visits: 8 per year (4 primary care, 4 endocrinologist)
- Plan G premium: $165/month
- Plan N premium: $130/month
- Annual premium difference: $420
- Expected copays: $160
- Result: Plan G saves $260/year
Scenario 3: Frequent Traveler
- Age: 70, healthy but travels 3x per year internationally
- Doctor visits: 3 per year
- Plan G premium: $155/month
- Plan N premium: $125/month
- Annual premium difference: $360
- Expected copays: $60
- Result: Plan G recommended for travel coverage + excess charge protection
2026 Cost Comparison by Age
Premiums vary significantly by age, tobacco use, and location. Here are typical ranges for 2026:
Plan G Monthly Premiums
| Age | Non-Tobacco | Tobacco |
|---|---|---|
| 65 | $100-$140 | $120-$170 |
| 70 | $130-$180 | $160-$220 |
| 75 | $170-$230 | $200-$280 |
| 80 | $220-$300 | $270-$360 |
Plan N Monthly Premiums
| Age | Non-Tobacco | Tobacco |
|---|---|---|
| 65 | $70-$100 | $85-$120 |
| 70 | $100-$140 | $120-$170 |
| 75 | $130-$180 | $160-$220 |
| 80 | $170-$230 | $200-$280 |
Note: These are estimated ranges. Actual premiums vary by insurer, location, and underwriting method. Use our Medicare Supplement Plan Cost Estimator for personalized estimates.
The “Closed” Plan G Issue
Important: Plan G is no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries as of January 1, 2020.
Who Can Still Get Plan G?
- Anyone who turned 65 before January 1, 2020
- Anyone who was already enrolled in Medicare before 2020
- Anyone who had Plan F and switched to Plan G
What About New Beneficiaries?
New Medicare beneficiaries (first eligible after January 1, 2020) can only purchase:
- Plan G High Deductible (must meet $2,800 deductible before coverage)
- Plan N
- Other available plans (A, B, C, D, K, L, M)
If you’re newly eligible for Medicare, Plan N is often the best alternative to the now-unavailable standard Plan G.
Real Member Stories
Linda, 68 - Plan G Member
“I have rheumatoid arthritis and see my rheumatologist every 6 weeks. With Plan G, I pay nothing after my Part B deductible. My friend with Plan N pays $20 every visit, and she got hit with a $150 excess charge from her cardiologist. Plan G is worth every penny for me.”
Robert, 70 - Plan N Member
“I’m healthy and only see my doctor for an annual physical. Plan N saves me $40/month, and I’ve never paid a copay because Medicare covers preventive visits 100%. I’d rather keep the $480/year savings.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Only Comparing Premiums
Don’t choose Plan N just because it has a lower premium. Calculate your expected copays and excess charges to find the true cost.
Mistake 2: Assuming All Doctors Accept Assignment
Even if your current doctors accept Medicare, you may need a specialist in the future who doesn’t. Plan G protects against this risk.
Mistake 3: Ignoring the Part B Deductible
Neither Plan G nor Plan N covers the Part B deductible ($257 in 2026). Budget for this expense regardless of which plan you choose.
Mistake 4: Forgetting About ER Visits
Plan N charges a $50 copay for ER visits (waived if admitted). If you visit the ER even once per year, factor this into your cost comparison.
Mistake 5: Not Checking State Rules
Some states have birthday rules or guaranteed issue rights that make switching plans easier. Check our Medicare Supplement Birthday Rule by State guide for your state’s rules.
How to Enroll
Step 1: Compare Quotes
Get quotes from multiple insurers. Premiums for the same plan can vary by $50+/month. Use our Medicare Supplement Plan Cost Estimator to compare rates.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
- Are you in your Medigap Open Enrollment Period? (6 months after turning 65 and enrolling in Part B)
- Do you have guaranteed issue rights? (losing employer coverage, moving, etc.)
- Are you past your open enrollment? (may require medical underwriting)
Step 3: Choose Your Insurer
Don’t just pick the cheapest premium. Consider:
- Rate increase history
- Financial stability ratings
- Customer service reviews
- Claims processing reputation
See our guide on How to Choose a Medicare Supplement Insurance Company.
Step 4: Apply
You can apply through:
- The insurance company directly
- A licensed insurance agent
- Medicare’s Plan Finder tool
Step 5: Verify Coverage
After enrollment, confirm:
- Your effective date
- Premium payment method
- How to file claims (usually automatic)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch from Plan N to Plan G later?
Yes, but it depends on your state and health. In most states, you can switch plans at any time, but you may have to answer health questions and could be denied. Some states have birthday rules that allow guaranteed-issue switching during a specific window.
Does Plan G cover the Part B deductible?
No. Plan G does not cover the Part B deductible ($257 in 2026). Only Plan C and Plan F cover this deductible, but they’re no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries.
What happens if my doctor charges excess charges?
With Plan G, you pay nothing—the plan covers the excess. With Plan N, you pay the excess charge (up to 15% more than Medicare’s approved amount).
Is Plan N worth it if I never go to the doctor?
Yes, if you’re confident you’ll stay healthy. Plan N’s lower premiums save money for healthy individuals who rarely use medical services. Just be prepared for copays if your health changes.
Do both plans cover skilled nursing facilities?
Yes. Both Plan G and Plan N cover the Part A coinsurance for skilled nursing facility stays (days 21-100). Medicare covers the first 20 days at 100%.
Can I see any doctor with these plans?
Yes, as long as they accept Medicare. Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap plans don’t have networks. You can see any doctor who accepts Medicare patients.
What if I travel outside the US?
Both Plan G and Plan N cover foreign travel emergency care (80% up to $50,000 lifetime). You’ll need separate travel insurance for non-emergency care or extended trips.
Which plan is more popular?
Plan G is currently the most popular Medigap plan among eligible beneficiaries, followed by Plan N. Plan G’s comprehensive coverage and predictable costs make it the top choice for most seniors.
Next Steps
Ready to compare Plan G and Plan N for your situation?
- Calculate your break-even point: Use our Plan N Copay Break-Even Calculator
- Get personalized quotes: Visit our Medicare Supplement Plan Cost Estimator
- Find the best plan for your health profile: Read our Best Medigap Plans by Health Profile guide
- Compare insurers: Learn How to Choose a Medicare Supplement Insurance Company
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not insurance advice. Medigap plans and premiums vary by location and insurer. Verify all information with Medicare.gov and licensed insurance agents before making enrollment decisions.