How to Compare Medicare Supplement Insurance Companies
When comparing Medicare Supplement companies, don’t compare benefits first—compare the same standardized plan across insurers.
Medicare Supplement Plan F vs. Plan G: What’s the Difference in 2026?
Last Modified: 10/05/2026 | Reviewed by Keith Armbrecht (NPN 634015)
Quick Summary
Medicare Supplement Plan F and Plan G provide nearly identical standardized benefits. The major difference is that Plan F covers the Medicare Part B deductible, while Plan G does not.
The Medicare Part B deductible is $283 in 2026.
However, Plan F isn’t available to everyone. If you first became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, you generally can’t buy Plan F.
People who were eligible for Medicare before 2020 may still be able to purchase Plan F if it’s available to them.
Key Facts
- Plan F and Plan G are standardized Medigap plans.
- Both provide very comprehensive coverage.
- Plan F covers the Medicare Part B deductible.
- Plan G does not cover the Part B deductible.
- The 2026 Part B deductible is $283.
- Both cover the Medicare Part A deductible.
- Both cover Medicare Part B excess charges.
- Both include limited foreign-travel emergency coverage.
- Plan F is closed to people newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
- Plan G is available to people newly eligible for Medicare today, subject to eligibility and underwriting rules.
- Premiums can vary significantly among insurance companies.
Plan F vs. Plan G at a Glance
Part A deductible:
Plan F ✓ | Plan G ✓
Part B deductible:
Plan F ✓ | Plan G ✗
Part B coinsurance:
Plan F ✓ | Plan G ✓
Part B excess charges:
Plan F ✓ | Plan G ✓
Foreign travel emergency:
Plan F ✓ | Plan G ✓
The Main Difference
For most Medicare-covered services, the difference between these two plans essentially comes down to the Part B deductible.
With Plan G, you pay that deductible yourself.
In 2026, it is $283 per year.
Video Explanation from Keith
Plan F vs. Plan G — Is Plan F Still Worth It?
Keith's Take
If you’re eligible for both Plan F and Plan G, don’t automatically assume Plan F is better because it covers one additional deductible.
I want to know the annual premium difference.
If Plan F costs $500 more per year than Plan G to cover a $283 deductible, that may not be a good trade.
The insurance company is essentially charging you more to pay an expense you could potentially pay yourself for less.
Always compare the math.
Keith Armbrecht
Medicare on Video
Frequently Asked Questions About Plan F vs. Plan G
Q. Which has better coverage?
A. Plan F technically provides more complete standardized coverage because it pays the Part B deductible.
Q. What is the Part B deductible in 2026?
A. $283.
Q. Can someone turning 65 today buy Plan F?
A. Generally no. Plan F isn't available to people who first became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
Q. Can someone already on Plan F keep it?
A. Yes. The change didn't require existing Plan F policyholders to leave their plans.
Q. Can someone eligible for Medicare before 2020 still buy Plan F?
A. Potentially, if you're eligible and a policy is available, although underwriting may apply depending on your circumstances.
Q. Does Plan G cover excess charges?
A. Yes.
Q. Is Plan G usually cheaper than Plan F?
A. It can be, but actual premiums vary. Compare the annual premium difference with the $283 Part B deductible.
Official Government Sources
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