Medigap Plan G is the most popular Medicare Supplement plan sold in the United States today. It covers nearly every out-of-pocket cost that Original Medicare leaves behind. In fact, it pays for eight of the nine standardized Medigap benefits. The only expense it does not cover is the annual Medicare Part B deductible. In 2026, that deductible is $283.
For most beneficiaries, that single yearly cost is a small price to pay for near-complete coverage. Since 2020, Plan F has been closed to new Medicare enrollees. As a result, Medigap Plan G has become the go-to choice for people who want comprehensive protection. It is available in 47 states and the District of Columbia. Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin use their own standardized plan structures with equivalent benefits. Whether you are turning 65 or reviewing your current coverage, Plan G deserves serious consideration.
What Does Medigap Plan G Cover?
Medigap Plan G covers almost everything Original Medicare does not. It pays the Part A deductible, which covers your hospital admission costs. It also pays Part A coinsurance for hospital stays beyond 60 days. If you need skilled nursing facility care, Plan G covers the daily coinsurance that starts after day 20. These protections can save thousands of dollars during a single hospital stay.
On the outpatient side, Plan G pays your Part B coinsurance and copayments at 100 percent. It also covers Part B excess charges. These charges occur when a doctor bills up to 15 percent above the Medicare-approved amount. However, Plan G does not cover the Part B deductible. In 2026, you must pay $283 out of pocket before your Medigap benefits begin for Part B services.
Plan G also covers the first three pints of blood each year. It includes hospice care coinsurance under Part A. For travelers, it provides 80 percent coverage for foreign travel medical emergencies. In most cases, this foreign travel benefit covers care during the first 60 days of a trip. Typically, there is a $50,000 lifetime maximum on this benefit.
Medigap Plan G Benefits Table
| Coverage Area | Plan F | Medigap Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (up to 365 extra days) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Part B coinsurance or copayment | Yes — 100% | Yes — 100% | Yes — with copays* |
| Blood (first 3 pints) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Part A hospice care coinsurance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Part A deductible | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) | Yes | No | No |
| Part B excess charges | Yes | Yes | No |
| Foreign travel emergency (80%) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
*Plan N requires up to a $20 copay for some office visits and up to a $50 copay for emergency room visits that do not result in admission.
How Much Does Medigap Plan G Cost?
Medicare does not set Medigap premiums. Private insurance companies determine their own rates. However, all Plan G policies offer identical standardized benefits regardless of the carrier. This means you are comparing price and customer service when you shop. Typically, premiums vary based on your age, location, gender, and tobacco use.
Insurance companies use one of three pricing methods. Attained-age pricing bases your premium on your current age. It starts low but increases as you get older. Issue-age pricing locks your rate class based on your age when you first buy the policy. Community-rated pricing charges everyone the same rate regardless of age. For example, a community-rated plan may cost more at age 65 but less at age 80 compared to attained-age pricing.
Medigap Plan G generally costs less than Plan F. The premium difference often exceeds the $283 Part B deductible that Plan G does not cover. Plan N premiums are typically lower than Plan G. However, Plan N exposes you to copays and excess charges that can add up. As a result, Plan G sits in a sweet spot between comprehensive coverage and reasonable cost.
Who Should Choose Medigap Plan G?
Medigap Plan G is the best fit for people who want predictable healthcare costs. If you prefer knowing exactly what you will pay each year, Plan G delivers that certainty. Your only regular out-of-pocket cost is the $283 annual Part B deductible. After that, Plan G covers virtually everything else.
Plan G is especially valuable for people with chronic conditions. Frequent doctor visits, lab work, and specialist appointments generate significant Part B coinsurance charges. Plan G covers all of that at 100 percent. It also protects you from Part B excess charges. This matters if any of your providers do not accept Medicare assignment.
However, Plan G may not be the best choice for everyone. If you are healthy and rarely visit the doctor, Plan N could save you money. Plan N premiums are lower, and the copays may amount to very little for infrequent users. Typically, people who see their doctor fewer than four times per year may benefit from Plan N. On the other hand, if you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, you can still purchase Plan F. But in most cases, the math still favors Medigap Plan G over Plan F due to the premium difference.
Medigap Plan G vs Plan F vs Plan N
The difference between Plan F and Medigap Plan G is simple. Plan F covers the Part B deductible. Plan G does not. That is the only distinction. However, Plan F premiums are typically much higher than Plan G premiums. The extra premium often costs far more than the $283 deductible you would pay with Plan G. Additionally, Plan F is closed to anyone who became Medicare-eligible after January 1, 2020. Its risk pool is aging, which means premiums are expected to climb faster over time.
Plan N differs from Medigap Plan G in two key ways. First, Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges. Second, Plan N requires small copays for certain services. You may owe up to $20 for some office visits. Emergency room visits that do not lead to admission may cost up to $50. For example, a beneficiary who visits the doctor monthly could pay $240 per year in copays alone with Plan N.
| Feature | Plan F | Medigap Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part B deductible covered | Yes | No | No |
| Part B excess charges covered | Yes | Yes | No |
| Office visit copays | None | None | Up to $20 |
| ER copay (not admitted) | None | None | Up to $50 |
| Available to new enrollees (2026) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Relative premium cost | Highest | Middle | Lowest |
| Best for | Pre-2020 enrollees wanting full coverage | Most beneficiaries wanting near-complete coverage | Healthy beneficiaries wanting lower premiums |
How to Buy Medigap Plan G
The best time to buy Medigap Plan G is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This six-month window begins the first day of the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurance companies cannot deny you coverage. They cannot charge you more because of pre-existing health conditions. This is your strongest buying opportunity.
After your Open Enrollment Period ends, insurers can use medical underwriting. They may deny your application or charge higher premiums based on your health history. However, certain life events trigger guaranteed issue rights. For example, if your Medicare Advantage plan leaves your area, you gain the right to buy select Medigap plans without underwriting. Some states also offer additional protections, such as annual birthday rules that let you switch plans without medical questions.
When shopping for Medigap Plan G, compare quotes from multiple carriers. Every Plan G policy covers the same standardized benefits. The only differences are premium, company reputation, and customer service. You can use the Medicare Plan Finder on medicare.gov to compare policies in your area. You can also contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for free, unbiased counseling.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medigap Plan G
Does Medigap Plan G cover prescription drugs?
No. No Medigap plan covers prescription drugs. You need a separate Medicare Part D plan for drug coverage. You can enroll in a Part D plan alongside your Medigap Plan G policy.
Can I buy Medigap Plan G if I am under 65?
Federal law does not require insurers to sell Medigap to people under 65. However, many states have their own laws that guarantee access. If you qualify for Medicare due to disability before age 65, check your state’s rules. In most cases, your options depend on where you live.
Is Medigap Plan G worth it compared to Medicare Advantage?
Medigap Plan G and Medicare Advantage are very different. Plan G works with Original Medicare and lets you see any doctor who accepts Medicare nationwide. Medicare Advantage plans use provider networks and may have lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs when you need care. Typically, Plan G offers more predictable costs and broader provider access.
Can I switch from another Medigap plan to Plan G?
Yes, but you may face medical underwriting outside of your initial Open Enrollment Period. Some states offer birthday rules or other annual windows that allow switching without health questions. Contact your state insurance department or SHIP counselor to learn what protections apply in your area.
Compare Medicare Plans
Ready to explore your Medicare options? Use the official Medicare Plan Finder or contact your local SHIP counselor for free, unbiased help.
Official Sources & Resources
For verified Medicare information and enrollment help:
- Medicare.gov: medicare.gov
- CMS.gov: cms.gov
- NAIC Medigap Guide: naic.org
- KFF Medicare Research: kff.org/medicare
- Find Your SHIP: medicare.gov/contacts
Content last reviewed April 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.