Picking between Medigap Plan G and Plan N can feel like a big decision. Both are popular Medicare supplement plans. They both cover most of the gaps left by Original Medicare. But they have different costs and different rules. One might save you money. The other might give you more peace of mind. In this article, we’ll compare Plan G and Plan N side by side. We’ll look at coverage, costs, and operational trade-offs. By the end, you’ll know which plan fits your health and budget best.
1. Medigap Plan G , Complete Coverage
Medigap Plan G is often called the “Cadillac” of Medigap plans. It covers almost everything that Original Medicare doesn’t. After you pay the Medicare Part B deductible (which is $257 in 2026), Plan G pays for all your Part A and Part B coinsurance, copays, and excess charges. That means no surprise bills for doctor visits, hospital stays, or specialist appointments.
Plan G covers 100% of Part A hospital coinsurance plus an extra 365 days after Medicare benefits run out. It also covers Part B coinsurance, skilled nursing facility care coinsurance, hospice care coinsurance, and the first three pints of blood. And it covers 80% of foreign travel emergency care up to $50,000. The only cost you’ll have after the deductible is your monthly premium.
One big advantage: Plan G covers Part B excess charges. If your doctor doesn’t accept Medicare assignment, they can charge up to 15% more than Medicare’s approved amount. With Plan G, you don’t pay that extra 15% , the plan does. For people who want to see any doctor who takes Medicare, this is huge.
Plan G is available to anyone who enrolls in Medicare. It’s not going away. However, it has higher premiums than Plan N. Typical monthly premiums range from $120 to $250 depending on your age, location, and the insurer. The trade-off is that you have almost no out-of-pocket costs after the Part B deductible.
Many of our clients choose Plan G because they want simplicity. They don’t want to think about copays or coinsurance. They just want to know that once the deductible is met, everything is covered. That’s why Plan G is our most recommended plan , about 90% of the time we suggest it.
But Plan G isn’t for everyone. If you have a tight budget and are willing to share some costs, Plan N might be a better fit. Let’s look at Plan N next.
2. Medigap Plan N , Lower Premiums with Copays
Medigap Plan N is a smart choice for people who want good coverage but don’t mind paying a little extra at the doctor’s office. It covers all the same big things as Plan G , hospital coinsurance, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, blood, and foreign travel emergency , but it has a few cost-sharing rules.
With Plan N, you pay: a copay of up to $20 for office visits, and up to $50 for emergency room visits that don’t lead to an inpatient admission. You also must pay the Part B deductible (the same $257 in 2026). And here’s the big difference: Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges. If your doctor charges more than Medicare’s approved rate, you could be on the hook for up to 15% extra.
Plan N premiums are typically 20% to 25% lower than Plan G. In many areas, you can find Plan N for $80 to $150 per month. Those lower premiums can add up to significant savings each year.
Let’s break it down with an example. Suppose you have Plan N and you visit your primary care doctor four times a year. That’s $80 in copays. You also go to a specialist twice: another $40. Maybe one ER visit that doesn’t admit you: $50. Total copays: $170. If your Plan N premium is $100 per month and Plan G is $130, you save $360 annually in premiums. After copays, you still save $190. That’s real money.
But the excess charge risk is real. In states that allow them, some doctors charge extra. If you use a doctor who doesn’t accept assignment, the 15% excess on a $2000 procedure is $300. One such visit could wipe out your savings. So Plan N is best for people who know their doctors accept Medicare assignment, or who live in states that don’t allow excess charges (like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York).
Plan N also requires you to track copays. Some people find that annoying. But if you’re disciplined and healthy, it can be a great way to lower your monthly costs.
Plan N is available to all Medicare beneficiaries. It’s been on the market since 2010 and is a solid alternative to Plan G for cost-conscious seniors.
Medigap Plan G vs Plan N: Coverage Comparison
Let’s put them side by side. The table below shows what each plan covers.
As you can see, the main differences are copays and excess charges. For someone who rarely sees a doctor and never travels, Plan N might be fine. But if you want the most predictable out-of-pocket costs, Plan G wins.
Coverage for Part B excess charges is a big deal. Medicare’s official plan benefit page lists excess charge coverage as a standard benefit for Plan G but not for Plan N. That is one of the most important distinctions.
Both plans cover the same Part A and Part B basics after the Part B deductible. So your hospital and doctor care will be covered, but with Plan N you might have small copays at each visit.
Medigap Plan G vs Plan N: Cost Comparison
When comparing costs, you have to look at the whole picture: monthly premiums plus annual out-of-pocket expenses.
Plan G premiums are higher. In 2026, you might pay $140 per month for Plan G and $110 for Plan N. That’s $360 more per year for Plan G. But with Plan G, after the Part B deductible ($257), you have no other out-of-pocket costs. With Plan N, you’ll have copays and possibly excess charges.
Here’s a typical scenario: If you have no hospital stays and a few doctor visits, Plan N might save you $100-$200 per year. If you have a major health event, Plan G could save you thousands because it covers everything.
We recommend that you look at your own healthcare usage. If you expect to need many tests, specialist visits, or hospital care, Plan G is likely cheaper overall. If you’re healthy and rarely see a doctor, Plan N can be a great deal.
Another factor: rate increases. Plan G premiums might rise faster because insurers predict higher claims. But Plan N premiums can also go up. Check the history of rate increases for each plan from your insurance company.
Many of our clients who choose Plan N tell us they use the savings to explore low-cost mortgage options or other retirement investments. Managing your overall budget is important.
How to Choose Between Medigap Plan G and Plan N
Here’s a simple way to decide. Ask yourself these questions:
- Can you afford the higher premium? If not, Plan N may be better.
- Do you mind small copays? Some people prefer to pay for everything up front with a premium. If you hate getting billed $20, choose Plan G.
- Do your doctors accept Medicare assignment? If they don’t, you could face excess charges with Plan N. Check with your providers.
- Do you live in a state that bans excess charges? If yes, Plan N becomes more attractive.
- Do you travel frequently? Both cover foreign emergencies, but Plan G gives you more overall stability.
Also, consider that you can switch plans later, but you may face medical underwriting. So pick wisely now.
For a personalized recommendation, we encourage you to explore our detailed video comparison of Plan G vs Plan N or call us for a free consultation.
Another way to save money in retirement is to cut other costs. For example, home energy audits can reduce utility bills, giving you more room in your budget. Every dollar counts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Medigap Plan G and Plan N?
The main differences are: Plan G covers Part B excess charges and has no copays for office visits or ER; Plan N does not cover excess charges and requires copays of up to $20 for office visits and up to $50 for ER visits that don’t lead to admission. Both cover the same hospital and medical benefits after the Part B deductible.
Does Plan G cover the Part B deductible?
No. Medigap Plan G does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible. You must pay that amount out of pocket each year before the plan starts paying. In 2026, the Part B deductible is $257. After you pay that, Plan G covers all other Part A and Part B cost-sharing.
Does Plan N cover excess charges?
No. Medigap Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges. If you see a doctor who doesn’t accept Medicare assignment, you may be charged up to 15% more than Medicare’s approved amount. That extra cost is your responsibility. In states that prohibit excess charges, this is not a concern.
Which plan is cheaper, Plan G or Plan N?
Plan N has lower monthly premiums, typically 20-25% less than Plan G. However, Plan N also has copays for office and ER visits, and you may have to pay excess charges. Depending on your health, Plan N can save you money or end up costing more. It’s best to estimate your annual healthcare use before deciding.
Can I switch from Plan N to Plan G later?
Yes, but you might not get guaranteed issue rights. If you’re outside your Medigap open enrollment period, you may have to answer health questions and could be denied or charged higher premiums due to pre-existing conditions. So it’s better to choose the right plan initially.
Is Plan G worth the extra cost?
For most people, yes. Plan G gives you complete peace of mind with no copays and excess charge coverage. If you have frequent doctor visits, ongoing health conditions, or just want predictable expenses, Plan G is worth the higher premium. Many of our clients find that the extra cost is justified by the simplicity.
Do Plan G and Plan N cover foreign travel?
Yes, both plans cover 80% of emergency medical costs when you travel outside the United States, up to a lifetime limit of $50,000. This is a valuable benefit for retirees who travel abroad. The coverage applies during the first 60 days of your trip.
Are there any other Medigap plans to consider?
Yes, besides G and N, there are plans like Plan F (closed to new enrollees after 2020), Plan K, Plan L, and high-deductible Plan G. Each has different cost-sharing and premium levels. However, Plan G and N are the most popular choices for new Medicare beneficiaries. Consult with a licensed agent to see all options.
Conclusion
Choosing between Medigap Plan G and Plan N comes down to your budget and your risk tolerance. Plan G offers near-complete coverage with no copays and includes excess charge protection. Plan N trades a lower premium for $20 and $50 copays and leaves you exposed to excess charges. For the majority of seniors, Plan G is the better choice because it removes all financial surprises. But if you’re healthy, have a fixed income, and your doctors accept Medicare assignment, Plan N can save you hundreds each year.
No matter which plan you pick, it’s essential to enroll during your Medigap open enrollment period , the six months that start when you’re 65 and enrolled in Part B. That’s when you have guaranteed issue rights and can get the best rates.
We at Medicare on Video are here to help you handle this decision. We’ve helped thousands of seniors find the right Medigap plan for their needs. If you’d like personalized guidance, learn more about Plan G or explore Plan N in depth. You can also schedule a free consultation with one of our advisors. Let’s get started today!
