Original Medicare provides coverage for a range of healthcare services to adults who are over 65 or meet other eligibility criteria like End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Still, it doesn’t cover everything, so beneficiaries who need additional coverage turn to Medicare Supplement insurance — also known as Medigap — for extra protection from high out-of-pocket costs.
After Medigap Plan F, which is no longer available if you turned 65 after January 1, 2020, the two most popular Medigap plans are Plan G and Plan N. Both are high-coverage plans, making them the top choice among enrollees. If you’re considering comparing Medicare Supplement Plans G and N, here are some factors to keep in mind.
Medigap Plan G overview
Medicare Supplement Plan G is one of the most comprehensive Medigap plans available to new beneficiaries. Plan G protects you from high out-of-pocket costs and also offers a high-deductible plan option with lower premiums for those anticipating lower healthcare expenses.
Included in Plan G coverage is:
- Part A deductible ($1,676 in 2025)
- Part A coinsurance for hospital stays from days 61-150
- 100% of Medicare-eligible expenses for an additional 365 days
- The cost of a skilled nursing facility from days 21-100
- Medicare copay for hospice services
- The first three pints of blood per calendar year
- 20% of Medicare Part B coinsurance
- 100% of Part B excess charges (Excess charges are the additional costs your healthcare provider might charge, such as an additional 15% of Medicare-approved amounts.)
- 80% of medically necessary foreign travel emergencies in the first 60 days
The only thing Plan G doesn’t cover is the Part B deductible. Plan holders are responsible for paying the deductible each year ($257 in 2025) before coverage kicks in.
What to know about Medigap Plan N
The next most popular plan is Medigap Plan N. It covers almost everything Plan G does (except excess charges) and often has lower premiums.
Like Medigap Plan G, Plan N also covers:
- Part A deductible
- Part A coinsurance for hospital stays from days 61-150
- 100% of Medicare-eligible expenses for an additional 365 days
- Skilled nursing care from days 21-100
- Medicare copay for hospice services
- The first three pints of blood per calendar year
- 80% of medically necessary foreign travel emergencies in the first 60 days
While Plan N covers Part B coinsurance, it requires a $20 copay for office visits and $50 per emergency room visit. Also like Plan G, Plan N doesn’t cover the Part B deductible.
Medicare Supplement Plan G vs. Plan N
While both Plan G and Plan N protect you from high out-of-pocket costs and cover similar charges, there are subtle but key differences between the two plans, namely:
- Plan G covers Part B excess charges, while Plan N doesn’t.
- Plan G often has higher premiums than Plan N.
- Both plans cover Part B coinsurance, but Plan G covers the remaining 20%, while Plan N pays the balance after your copay for office visits and emergency room visits.
Cost considerations for Plans G and N
The cost of premiums can vary based on age, gender, and overall health status. As the most comprehensive plan, Plan G often has higher monthly premiums than Plan N and lower out-of-pocket costs. This is because Plan G covers excess charges and the cost of office and emergency room visits without copays, while Plan N doesn’t.
While Medigap plans of the same letter have standardized benefits — i.e., all Plan Gs cover the same things — you might experience higher premiums depending on your location and provider. Massachusetts, Wisconsin, and Minnesota standardize their plans differently, so there may be variance in their cost structure in those states.
Choosing the right Medigap plan for you
Here are a few factors to consider when determining whether Medigap Plan G or Plan N is right for you:
- Budget tolerance for premiums versus copays: While Plan N has lower premiums, it also has more copays than Plan G. The right plan for you depends on whether you prefer predictable costs or have the flexibility for a little unpredictability.
- Frequency of doctor/ER visits: If you don’t visit the doctor or ER regularly, Plan N might be a better fit, as the added cost of copays might be lower than Plan G premiums. If you do visit the doctor often, Plan G might be a better option, as it protects you from the higher copay costs of frequent visits.
- Importance of avoiding excess charges: These charges can be unpredictable, so if avoiding them is crucial to maintaining your budget, Plan G might be the way to go.
Choosing the right Medigap Plan is crucial and depends on multiple factors. At United Medicare Advisors, we take all your needs into consideration and help you choose a plan that suits your needs. Contact us today for personalized guidance on Medicare Supplement plans.
How to enroll in Medigap
The Open Enrollment Period for Medigap begins when you first enroll in Medicare Part B and lasts six months. During this time, you can enroll in and purchase any Medigap plan from any provider without being subject to medical underwriting.
It is possible to enroll outside of the initial enrollment period, but you may be subject to underwriting and higher monthly premiums. Learn more about Medicare Supplement options and enrollment here.
