Choosing between Medigap Plan G and Medigap Plan N is one of the most common decisions Medicare beneficiaries face. These two plans consistently rank as the most popular Medicare Supplement options available today. Both offer strong coverage, but they differ in ways that can significantly impact your wallet and your peace of mind.
If you have already read our Plan N vs. Plan G overview, this article goes deeper with a full pros and cons breakdown so you can make the right call for your health needs and budget.
Quick Side-by-Side: Plan G vs. Plan N
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part B Coinsurance | 100% | 100% (with copays) |
| Part B Excess Charges | Covered | Not Covered |
| Office Visit Copay | $0 | Up to $20 |
| ER Copay (no admission) | $0 | Up to $50 |
| Part A Deductible | Covered | Covered |
| Part B Deductible ($257) | You Pay | You Pay |
| Skilled Nursing Facility | Covered | Covered |
| Foreign Travel Emergency | 80% | 80% |
| Avg. Monthly Premium (Age 65) | ~$144/mo | ~$110-135/mo |
The Pros and Cons of Medigap Plan G
Plan G Pros
- Most comprehensive coverage available — Plan G covers everything except the annual Part B deductible ($257 in 2025). After that one payment, you face virtually zero out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-covered services.
- Part B excess charge protection — If a doctor does not accept Medicare assignment, they can charge up to 15% above the Medicare-approved amount. Plan G covers 100% of those excess charges.
- No copays, ever — No $20 office visit copays, no $50 ER copays. Every covered visit is fully paid after your Part B deductible.
- Maximum predictability — Your only annual variable is the $257 Part B deductible plus your monthly premium.
- Ideal for frequent healthcare users — If you see specialists regularly, have chronic conditions, or want the security of knowing every bill is covered, Plan G delivers.
Plan G Cons
- Higher monthly premiums — At an average of ~$144/month for a 65-year-old, Plan G typically costs $20-40 more per month than Plan N.
- May overpay if healthy — If you rarely visit the doctor, you are paying for maximum coverage you might not use.
- Premium increases over time — Like all Medigap plans, premiums rise with age and inflation. Starting higher means those increases compound from a larger base.
The Pros and Cons of Medigap Plan N
Plan N Pros
- Lower monthly premiums — Typically $110-135/month at age 65, saving you $240-480 per year compared to Plan G.
- Still excellent coverage — Plan N covers the Part A deductible, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, foreign travel emergencies, and 100% of Part B coinsurance (with small copays).
- Copays are modest — The up-to-$20 office visit copay and up-to-$50 ER copay (waived if admitted) are manageable for most budgets.
- Great for healthy, active seniors — If you do not visit doctors frequently, the premium savings add up fast while you still have strong protection.
- Same network freedom — Like Plan G, Plan N works with any doctor who accepts Medicare. No restrictive networks.
Plan N Cons
- No Part B excess charge protection — This is the biggest coverage gap. If your doctor does not accept Medicare assignment, you could owe up to 15% above the approved amount.
- Copays add up for frequent visitors — Multiple specialist visits per month at $20 each can erode the premium savings.
- Less cost predictability — Between copays and potential excess charges, your annual costs are harder to forecast than Plan G.
Real-World Scenarios: Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Plan G If You…
- See multiple specialists or doctors regularly
- Have a chronic condition requiring ongoing treatment
- Want absolute cost predictability with zero surprise bills
- Live in an area where doctors commonly charge excess fees
- Value peace of mind over monthly savings
Choose Plan N If You…
- Are generally healthy and visit the doctor infrequently
- Want strong coverage but prefer lower monthly premiums
- Are comfortable with occasional small copays
- Your doctors all accept Medicare assignment (no excess charges)
- Want to invest the premium savings elsewhere
Not sure which plan fits your situation?
Our licensed Medicare advisors compare both plans using your specific doctors, medications, and budget — at no cost to you.
Call 1-888-781-6026 for a free, personalized comparison.
The Cost Calculation Most People Miss
Many seniors look only at the monthly premium difference. But the real comparison requires adding up total annual costs:
Plan G Total Annual Cost:
Monthly premium (~$144) x 12 = $1,728 + Part B deductible ($257) = ~$1,985/year
Plan N Total Annual Cost:
Monthly premium (~$120) x 12 = $1,440 + Part B deductible ($257) + copays (varies) + potential excess charges = ~$1,697-$1,900+/year
The gap narrows considerably once you factor in copays and excess charges. For someone with 4+ doctor visits per month, Plan G often costs the same or less than Plan N in total annual spending.
Can You Switch Between Plan G and Plan N?
Technically, yes — you can apply to switch Medigap plans at any time. However, outside of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (the 6 months after you turn 65 and enroll in Part B), insurance companies can use medical underwriting. That means they can deny coverage or charge higher rates based on your health history.
The takeaway: Choose carefully during your initial enrollment window. It is much easier to start with the right plan than to switch later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plan G worth the extra cost over Plan N?
For frequent healthcare users and those concerned about excess charges, yes. The premium difference is often $20-40/month, and the peace of mind plus excess charge protection can easily justify that cost.
Do many doctors charge Part B excess fees?
In most states, the vast majority of doctors accept Medicare assignment. However, it varies by location. In some areas, specialists may charge excess fees. Check with your providers before deciding.
What if I pick Plan N now and want Plan G later?
You can apply, but you will likely face medical underwriting. If your health has changed, you may be denied or charged a higher premium. This is why many advisors recommend starting with Plan G if you are on the fence.
Are Plan G and Plan N the same across all insurance companies?
Yes — Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government. Plan G from Company A covers the exact same benefits as Plan G from Company B. The only difference between carriers is the premium price and customer service.
Make the Right Choice — Get Expert Help
Both Plan G and Plan N are excellent Medigap options. The right choice depends on how often you see doctors, where you live, and whether cost predictability or premium savings matters more to you.
Our licensed advisors at eMedicareGuide.com help hundreds of seniors make this exact decision every week. We compare rates from multiple carriers to find your best fit — and our service is completely free.
Ready to compare Plan G and Plan N rates?
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