Medicare Supplement Plan G vs. Plan N: Which Medigap Is Right for You?
If you have decided you want a Medicare Supplement (also called Medigap) instead of a Medicare Advantage plan, you are most of the way there. The last big question is usually this: Plan G or Plan N? These are the two most popular Supplements by far, and they are more alike than different. Here is the plain-English breakdown so you can pick with confidence.
If you are still deciding between a Supplement and Advantage in the first place, start with Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap: The Real Difference. This article assumes you already lean toward a Supplement.
One thing that makes this easier
Medigap plans are standardized. That means a Plan G is a Plan G no matter which company sells it. The benefits are set by the government, so the only things that change from one insurer to the next are the monthly price and the company's service. You do not have to decode fine print. You pick the plan letter, then shop the price. That alone removes most of the stress.
What each plan covers
Plan G covers just about every gap Original Medicare leaves behind. The one and only thing it does not pay is the annual Part B deductible, which is $283 in 2026. You pay that once a year, and after that your covered costs are essentially zero.
Plan N covers the same big items as Plan G, with three differences that lower your premium: you pay small copays when you get care, you pay the Part B deductible just like Plan G, and Plan N does not cover something called Part B excess charges (more on that below).
Where Plan G and Plan N differ
| Plan G | Plan N | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Higher | Lower |
| Doctor office visit copay | $0 | Up to $20 |
| ER visit copay | $0 | Up to $50 (waived if admitted) |
| Part B deductible ($283) | You pay it | You pay it |
| Part B excess charges | Covered | You pay |
| Hospital, skilled nursing, hospice, blood, travel | Covered | Covered |
So the real trade is simple. With Plan G you pay a bit more every month and almost never see a bill. With Plan N you pay less every month in exchange for small, predictable copays and two smaller gaps.
What is a "Part B excess charge"?
This sounds scary but it is straightforward. Most doctors accept what Medicare pays as full payment. A few do not, and those few are allowed to charge up to 15% more than the Medicare-approved amount. That extra is the excess charge. Plan G pays it for you. Plan N does not, so you would owe it. Many people never run into one, but it can happen, which is part of why Plan G costs a little more.
Which one tends to fit
- Plan G fits if you want the simplest possible experience, you see doctors often, or you just sleep better knowing a bill will almost never show up.
- Plan N fits if you are comfortable with a small copay now and then, you do not see the doctor constantly, and you would rather keep more money in your pocket each month.
For a lot of healthy Kentuckians, Plan N saves real money over a year. For others, the peace of mind of Plan G is worth the higher premium. There is no wrong answer, only the one that fits how you live.
Two more things worth knowing
Plan F is closed to newcomers. You may hear about Plan F, which also covered the Part B deductible. If you became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, you can still buy it. If you turned 65 or first qualified on or after that date, Plans F and C are not available to you, and Plan G is the most complete option you can get.
There is a high-deductible Plan G. If you want the lowest possible premium and can handle more risk, a high-deductible version of Plan G has a much lower monthly cost but you pay the first $2,950 in 2026 yourself before it kicks in. It is a niche choice, but worth knowing it exists.
Common questions
What is the difference between Plan G and Plan N?
Both cover almost all of the gaps in Original Medicare. Plan G covers everything except the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) and includes Part B excess charges. Plan N has a lower premium, but you pay small copays (up to $20 for office visits and up to $50 for ER visits that don't lead to admission), and it does not cover Part B excess charges.
Is Plan G or Plan N better?
Neither is better for everyone. Plan G costs more each month but you have almost no surprise bills. Plan N costs less each month in exchange for small copays and two gaps. The right pick depends on how often you see doctors and whether you prefer a higher premium or lower out-of-pocket costs.
Can I still buy Plan F?
Only if you became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you qualified on or after that date, Plans F and C are not available, and Plan G is the most complete option for you.
When is the best time to buy a Medigap plan?
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, a 6-month window that starts the first month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During it you can buy any plan with no health questions. After it ends, you usually have to answer health questions and can be charged more or turned down.
Quick recap
Test what you learned
Five quick questions — pick an answer to see if you're right, and why.
Want help comparing G and N prices in your area?
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This article is general information, not advice for your specific situation, and Medicare rules and figures can change. 2026 figures are from CMS and Medicare.gov. Premiums vary by insurer, age, and area. Tyler Insurance Group is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. For complete details on all your options, contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.