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High Deductible Plan G Explained: How It Works in 2026
Last Modified: 10/05/2026 | Reviewed by Keith Armbrecht (NPN 634015)
Quick Summary
High Deductible Plan G provides the same categories of standardized benefits as regular Plan G, but you must first pay Medicare-covered costs up to the plan’s annual high deductible before the Medigap policy begins paying.
The High Deductible Plan G deductible is $2,950 in 2026.
Because you’re accepting substantially more upfront financial responsibility, High Deductible Plan G can have a significantly lower monthly premium than regular Plan G.
Key Facts
- Works with Original Medicare.
- Available in some states.
- 2026 high deductible: $2,950.
- You pay Medicare-covered deductibles, coinsurance and copayments toward the high deductible.
- After reaching the deductible, the policy provides its Plan G benefits for the remainder of the year.
- Premiums can be substantially lower than regular Plan G.
- Covers Part B excess charges after the high deductible is met according to Plan G benefits.
- Includes limited foreign-travel emergency coverage.
- The annual deductible resets each calendar year.
- High Deductible Plan G is different from simply having regular Plan G and paying the Part B deductible.
How High Deductible Plan G Works
You continue using Original Medicare.
Medicare processes covered claims first.
You are responsible for Medicare cost sharing until your applicable expenses reach the $2,950 high deductible in 2026.
After that deductible has been reached, High Deductible Plan G begins providing its standardized Plan G benefits for the rest of the calendar year.
Why Would Someone Choose It?
The tradeoff is straightforward:
Lower monthly premium → Greater potential out-of-pocket exposure
versus:
Higher regular Plan G premium → Much lower routine out-of-pocket exposure
High Deductible Plan G can be particularly interesting in areas where regular Medigap premiums are expensive.
Video Explanation from Keith
Is High Deductible Plan G Worth It?
Keith's Take
High Deductible Plan G is one of the most overlooked Medigap options.
I pay particular attention to it in higher-premium markets.
If regular Plan G costs close to $200 per month and High Deductible G is dramatically less, I want to calculate the annual premium savings against the additional financial risk.
The mistake is looking only at the $2,950 deductible and saying, “That’s too high.”
You need to compare the entire annual picture:
Premium savings + potential healthcare costs + your comfort with risk.
For the right person, High Deductible G can be an excellent value.
For someone who wants maximum predictability, regular Plan G may make more sense.
Keith Armbrecht
Medicare on Video
Frequently Asked Questions About High Deductible Plan G
Q. What is the High Deductible Plan G deductible in 2026?
A. $2,950.
Q. Does that mean I automatically pay $2,950 every year?
A. No. It means you are responsible for applicable Medicare-covered costs until you reach the deductible. Your actual expenses depend on the healthcare you use.
Q. Is High Deductible G the same as regular Plan G?
A. The standardized benefit categories are based on Plan G, but the payment structure is very different because the high deductible must be met before the policy begins paying.
Q. Does Medicare still pay first?
A. Yes. High Deductible G still supplements Original Medicare.
Q. Why is the premium lower?
A. You're accepting more financial responsibility before the policy begins paying benefits.
Q. Who should consider it?
A. Someone comfortable with a higher potential annual out-of-pocket amount in exchange for lower premiums should at least compare it.
Q. Is High Deductible G available everywhere?
A. Plans F and G offer high-deductible versions in some states.
Official Government Sources
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The official 2026 High Deductible Plan G amount is $2,950. (Medicare)