How to Compare Medicare Supplement Insurance Companies
When comparing Medicare Supplement companies, don’t compare benefits first—compare the same standardized plan across insurers.
Plan G vs. High Deductible Plan G: Which Is Better in 2026?
Last Modified: 10/05/2026 | Reviewed by Keith Armbrecht (NPN 634015)
Quick Summary
Regular Plan G offers highly predictable Medicare-covered healthcare expenses, while High Deductible Plan G can significantly reduce monthly premiums in exchange for greater upfront financial responsibility.
With regular Plan G, you’re responsible for the $283 Part B deductible in 2026.
With High Deductible Plan G, you pay Medicare-covered costs toward a $2,950 high deductible in 2026 before the Medigap policy begins paying its Plan G benefits.
Key Facts
Side-by-Side Comparison
2026 Part B deductible: Both subject to Medicare rules
High-deductible requirement: Regular G — No | HDG — $2,950
Monthly premium: Regular G — Higher | HDG — Usually lower
Predictability: Regular G — Higher | HDG — Lower
Potential upfront exposure: Regular G — Lower | HDG — Higher
Provider access: Both work with Original Medicare
Part B excess charges: Both provide Plan G benefits, subject to HDG deductible
The Math Matters
Suppose regular Plan G costs $200 per month.
That’s $2,400 per year in premiums.
Suppose High Deductible G costs $75 per month.
That’s $900 per year.
You would save $1,500 annually in premiums before considering medical expenses.
That’s the comparison I want someone making—not simply looking at the word “deductible.”
Video Explanation from Keith
Regular Plan G or High Deductible G?
Keith's Take
High Deductible G gets particularly interesting in expensive Medigap markets.
I don’t recommend choosing it merely because the premium looks cheap.
I calculate the annual premium difference first.
Then I ask whether you’re comfortable taking on the additional potential healthcare costs.
Some people would rather pay more every month for predictability.
Others would rather keep the premium savings and accept more risk.
Neither approach is automatically wrong.
Keith Armbrecht
Medicare on Video
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the High Deductible G deductible in 2026?
A. $2,950.
Q. What is the regular Plan G deductible?
A. Regular Plan G doesn't have that $2,950 high deductible. You remain responsible for the Medicare Part B deductible, $283 in 2026.
Q. Is the coverage ultimately the same?
A. High Deductible G is based on Plan G benefits, but you must satisfy its high deductible before the policy begins paying.
Q. Which costs more per month?
A. Regular Plan G typically costs more.
Q. Which gives more predictable expenses?
A. Regular Plan G.
Q. Who should consider High Deductible G?
A. Someone who values lower premiums, has sufficient reserves for potential healthcare expenses and is comfortable assuming more financial risk.
Official Government Sources
Explore Related Guides
What Is the Best Medicare Supplement Plan? How to Decide
There isn’t one Medicare Supplement plan that’s best for everyone. For people newly eligible for Medicare today, the three options I most often want compared are: Plan G, Plan N
Explore Related Guides
Compare Your Actual Rates
Don’t decide until you know the premium difference.
COMPARE PLAN G OPTIONS
Call 877-885-3484
Medicare sets the 2026 High Deductible G amount at $2,950; CMS sets the 2026 Part B deductible at $283.