Choosing between Medicare Supplement Plan G and Plan N is one of the most important — and most confusing — decisions Medicare enrollees face. Both plans are excellent. Both cover the scary 20% gap that Original Medicare leaves behind. But choose the wrong one, and you could pay hundreds more than you need to. Here’s an honest, side-by-side comparison.
- Plan G covers nearly everything — except the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026)
- Plan N has lower premiums but adds copays of up to $20/visit and $50 for ER
- Average Plan G premium: $120–$200/month. Plan N: $80–$150/month
- Plan N suits healthy seniors who rarely visit the doctor
- Plan G suits those managing chronic conditions or expecting frequent care
What Is a Medigap Supplement Plan?
Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans are sold by private insurance companies to cover the “gaps” Original Medicare leaves — the deductibles, coinsurances, and copays. Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medigap plans available to new Medicare enrollees since Plan F was phased out in 2020.
Plan G vs Plan N: Side-by-Side Coverage Comparison
| Benefit | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance & hospital costs | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| Part B coinsurance (20%) | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered (with copays) |
| Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) | ❌ Not covered | ❌ Not covered |
| Part B excess charges | ✅ Covered | ❌ Not covered |
| Doctor office copay | $0 | Up to $20 |
| ER visit copay | $0 | $50 (waived if admitted) |
| Foreign travel emergency | ✅ 80% (after deductible) | ✅ 80% (after deductible) |
| Typical monthly premium | $120–$200 | $80–$150 |
When Plan G Makes More Sense
Plan G is the right choice if:
- You have regular doctor visits (2+ per month) — those $20 copays add up fast under Plan N
- You want zero surprise bills — Plan G’s only out-of-pocket cost is the $257 Part B deductible once per year
- You use doctors who charge Part B excess charges — Plan G covers these, Plan N does not
- You have a chronic condition or anticipate major healthcare needs
When Plan N Makes More Sense
Plan N is the better value if:
- You’re relatively healthy and rarely need doctor visits beyond preventive care
- You want lower monthly premiums and are comfortable with small copays
- You primarily use doctors who accept Medicare assignment (no excess charges)
- You’re budget-conscious and want to keep fixed monthly costs down
How to Compare Real Premiums in Your Area
Medigap premiums vary significantly by insurance company, your age, your state, and your gender. The coverage is standardized (Plan G from Company A is identical to Plan G from Company B), so always shop by price. Use Medicare.gov’s Medigap plan finder tool or call 1-800-MEDICARE for quotes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plan G or Plan N better in 2027?
Plan G offers more complete coverage with no office visit copays. Plan N costs less per month but adds small copays. Plan G is usually better for people with regular healthcare needs; Plan N for the relatively healthy.
Can I switch from Plan N to Plan G later?
Yes, but you’ll likely need to pass medical underwriting unless you’re in a guaranteed-issue situation. It’s easier to start with the more comprehensive plan.
Do Medigap plans cover prescription drugs?
No. Medigap plans do not include Part D drug coverage. You’ll need to purchase a separate Part D plan or enroll in Medicare Advantage.
What will Plan G and Plan N premiums be in 2027?
Premiums vary by state, age, and insurer, but typical 2026 ranges are $120–$200/month for Plan G and $80–$150 for Plan N; expect 2027 renewals to rise roughly 6–10% (G) and 4–7% (N). Always compare quotes — benefits are identical across insurers.
Does Plan N cover the Part B deductible?
No. Neither Plan G nor Plan N covers the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026). No Medigap plan sold to new enrollees since 2020 can cover it.
Plan G vs Plan N in 2027: What’s Actually Changing
The standardized benefits of Plan G and Plan N do not change from year to year — what changes is the math around them. The Part B deductible is $283 in 2026 (neither plan covers it), and CMS will announce the 2027 figure in the fall of 2026; based on the last five years of increases, expect roughly $295–$305. Premiums are the bigger story: since Plan F closed to new enrollees in 2020, the Plan G risk pool has absorbed most high-utilization enrollees, and Plan G rate increases have been running about 6–10% per year, versus roughly 4–7% for Plan N in most states. Over a 10-year horizon, that compounding gap matters more than the sticker price you see at 65.
If you want the deep dive on next year’s Plan G pricing specifically, see our Medicare Plan G 2027 rates guide.
The Break-Even Math: How Many Doctor Visits Erase the Savings?
Here is the calculation most agents never show you. Suppose Plan G costs $45/month more than Plan N in your ZIP code — that’s $540 per year in guaranteed extra premium. Plan N’s variable costs are capped at up to $20 per office visit and up to $50 for an emergency room visit (waived if you’re admitted). Ignoring excess charges, you would need 27 office visits in a year before Plan N costs you more than Plan G. Even a senior managing two chronic conditions with quarterly specialist follow-ups typically logs 10–15 visits a year — roughly $200–$300 in copays, still $240+ ahead on Plan N.
| Your Situation | Annual Plan N Copays (est.) | Winner at $45/mo Premium Gap |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy — 3–5 visits/year | $60–$100 | Plan N (saves ~$440+/yr) |
| 1–2 chronic conditions — 10–15 visits | $200–$300 | Plan N (saves ~$240+/yr) |
| Complex care — 25+ visits, frequent ER | $500–$700+ | Plan G (predictability wins) |
The honest conclusion: on pure arithmetic, Plan N wins for most seniors — the exception is heavy utilizers and anyone exposed to excess charges, covered next.
Excess Charges: The Real Plan N Risk (and the 8 States Where It’s Zero)
A Part B excess charge is the up-to-15% surcharge a non-participating provider can add above Medicare’s approved amount. Plan G pays it; Plan N does not. In practice the exposure is smaller than the sales pitch suggests — roughly 97–98% of physicians billing Medicare accept assignment, meaning they cannot charge excess fees at all. And in eight states excess charges are banned outright: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. If you live in one of those states, Plan G’s excess-charge protection is worth exactly $0, which strengthens the case for Plan N considerably.
Before choosing Plan N, look up your regular doctors on Medicare.gov’s Care Compare tool — providers who “accept assignment” can never bill you excess charges.
Timing Matters: Enroll When Underwriting Can’t Touch You
Whichever plan you choose, the price you’re quoted is only guaranteed-issue during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period (starts the month you’re 65+ and enrolled in Part B). Outside that window, switching between G and N usually means medical underwriting — and a diagnosis as common as controlled atrial fibrillation or recent physical therapy can mean a declined application in many states. If you’re torn, it is strategically safer to start with Plan G and downgrade to Plan N later (insurers rarely refuse a downgrade request) than to start with N and try to upgrade after your health changes. If premiums are a strain, also check whether you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program, which can pay your Part B premium entirely.
For how Medigap fits into the full coverage picture — Parts A/B, Part D, and Advantage — see our complete Medicare guide.
Bottom Line
Both Plan G and Plan N are excellent choices. The decision comes down to how often you use healthcare and whether peace of mind is worth a slightly higher monthly premium. Compare prices in your area, confirm your doctors accept Medicare assignment, and choose the plan that fits your health and budget.
