Medicare Supplement Plan G 2026: Your Complete Guide

Why Medicare Supplement Plan G Deserves Your Attention in 2026

If you’ve been researching Medicare options lately, you’ve probably noticed one plan keeps coming up in conversation: Medicare Supplement Plan G. And there’s a very good reason for that.

Ever since Medicare Supplement Plan F closed its doors to new enrollees in 2020, Plan G has quietly become the most popular Medigap plan in America. In fact, according to the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance, Plan G now accounts for more new Medigap enrollments than any other plan—and that trend is only growing heading into 2026.

But popularity alone doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for you. Maybe you’re turning 65 soon and feeling overwhelmed by all the options. Maybe you’re already on Medicare and wondering if switching to Plan G could save you money. Or maybe a friend told you Plan G is “the best” and you want to see the facts for yourself.

Whatever brought you here, this complete guide to Medicare Supplement Plan G for 2026 will break everything down in plain English—what it covers, what it costs, and how to decide if it’s your best move.

What Exactly Is Medicare Supplement Plan G?

Medicare Supplement plans (also called “Medigap” plans) are private insurance policies designed to fill the gaps that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) leaves behind. Think of them as a financial safety net that catches the costs Medicare doesn’t fully cover.

Plan G is one of 10 standardized Medigap plans. That means the coverage is exactly the same no matter which insurance company sells it. Whether you buy Plan G from Mutual of Omaha, Aetna, or a smaller regional carrier, you get the identical benefits. The only difference between companies is the monthly premium and customer service.

Here’s what Medicare Supplement Plan G covers:

1. Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs — up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up
2. Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment — typically 20% of Medicare-approved amounts
3. First three pints of blood — for medical procedures
4. Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
5. Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance — days 21–100, which can cost up to $204.50 per day in 2025
6. Medicare Part A deductible — $1,676 in 2025, expected to rise slightly in 2026
7. Medicare Part B excess charges — amounts above what Medicare approves
8. Foreign travel emergency care — 80% coverage, up to plan limits

Notice anything missing? There’s one cost Plan G does not cover: the Medicare Part B deductible. In 2025, that deductible is $257 per year.

How Much Does Plan G Cost in 2026?

Here’s where things get interesting. Because Plan G doesn’t cover the Part B deductible, its premiums are consistently lower than Plan F—often by $30 to $60 per month or more. Over a year, that premium savings usually far exceeds the $257 deductible you’d pay out of pocket.

Monthly premiums for Plan G in 2025 typically range from:

• $95 to $190 per month for a 65-year-old (depending on location and carrier)
• $130 to $250 per month for a 70-year-old
• $160 to $330 per month for a 75-year-old

For 2026, expect modest increases of approximately 3% to 7%. Your actual rate depends on your age, zip code, gender, tobacco use, and the insurance company. That last point is worth repeating: always compare multiple carriers. To help you organize your comparison, download our free Medicare checklist before you start shopping.

Plan G vs. Other Medigap Plans: How Does It Stack Up?

Plan G vs. Plan F

Plan F covers everything Plan G covers plus the Part B deductible. However, Plan F is only available to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. Even if you qualify, Plan F premiums are typically $400 to $700+ more per year than Plan G. For most people, Plan G is the smarter financial choice.

Plan G vs. Plan N

Plan N is usually $20 to $50 per month cheaper than Plan G, but it comes with trade-offs: you’ll pay up to $20 copays for some doctor visits, up to $50 copays for emergency room visits, and you’re responsible for Part B excess charges. If you want maximum peace of mind, Plan G is king.

Plan G vs. Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare with a private plan. However, Advantage plans use networks, require referrals, and can have unpredictable out-of-pocket costs. Plan G paired with Original Medicare gives you the freedom to see any doctor who accepts Medicare—with virtually no surprise bills. For a deeper dive into all your options, visit our Medicare Benefits Hub.

When Is the Best Time to Enroll in Plan G?

Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is the single most important window. It starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this six-month window, insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge you more because of health conditions. This is your golden ticket.

If you miss this window, in most states insurance companies can reject your application based on health history or charge higher premiums. Planning for 2026 specifically? If you’re turning 65 in 2026, start researching plans six months before your birthday.

5 Smart Tips for Choosing Plan G in 2026

1. Compare at least 5 insurance carriers. The coverage is identical—only the price differs. A 15-minute comparison could save you $500 or more per year.
2. Ask about household and non-smoker discounts. Many carriers offer 5% to 12% discounts.
3. Understand the pricing method. Issue-age and community-rated plans may cost more initially but often save money over time.
4. Don’t forget about Part D. Plan G does not include prescription drug coverage. Enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period to avoid late penalties.
5. Review your plan annually. Check rates each year during the fall.

Is Medicare Supplement Plan G Right for You?

Plan G is an excellent choice if you value predictability, freedom to see any doctor who accepts Medicare, peace of mind with no surprise bills, and simplicity. It may not be the best fit if you’re on a very tight budget (Plan N might save you more) or want drug coverage and extras bundled into one plan.

The most important step? Get informed before you decide.