Medicare Supplement Plan G vs Plan N in 2026: Which Is Right for You?
Medicare Supplement Plan G vs Plan N in 2026: Plan G is best for frequent healthcare users; Plan N saves $50-$150/month for healthy seniors. Side-by-side coverage comparison with break-even analysis.
If you're comparing Medicare Supplement Plan G versus Plan N in 2026, here is the direct answer: Plan G is better for frequent healthcare users who want comprehensive protection with no surprises; Plan N is better for healthy seniors who visit doctors less often and want to save $50-$150/month on premiums. We compared both plans across coverage gaps, out-of-pocket costs, and premium ranges so you can make the decision with real numbers.
How We Compared Plan G and Plan N
| Criteria | Weight | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Total Annual Cost | High | Premiums + copays + excess charges = real cost |
| Coverage Completeness | High | Which gaps each plan fills in Original Medicare |
| Predictability | Medium | Fixed costs vs. variable copays affect budgeting |
| Premium Trends | Medium | Rate increases over time affect long-term value |
Data sources: CMS Medicare Supplement coverage charts, America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) premium data, State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) data, KFF Medicare plan analysis.
1. Medicare Supplement Plan G — Best for Comprehensive Coverage
Best for: Seniors with multiple chronic conditions, frequent doctor visits, or upcoming procedures
Average monthly premium: $120-$200 (age 65, non-tobacco)
Coverage gaps filled: All Medicare gaps except the Part B deductible ($257 in 2026)
Plan G covers everything Medicare leaves behind except one item: the annual Part B deductible ($257 in 2026). After you pay that single annual cost, Plan G pays 100% of all remaining Medicare-covered expenses — doctor visits, hospital stays, outpatient care, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and excess charges from physicians who don't accept Medicare assignment.
Pros
- Predictable costs after paying the one annual deductible ($257)
- Covers 100% of Part B excess charges (non-assignment physicians)
- No copays for covered services once deductible is met
Cons
- Higher monthly premiums than Plan N ($50-$150/month more)
- Paying for coverage you may not use if you're healthy
Who This Is Best For
Seniors with diabetes, heart disease, cancer history, or other conditions requiring regular specialist care. Anyone facing planned procedures. At 10+ doctor visits per year, Plan G's total annual cost is almost always lower than Plan N.
2. Medicare Supplement Plan N — Best for Healthy Seniors Who Want Premium Savings
Best for: Relatively healthy seniors with infrequent healthcare use
Average monthly premium: $85-$145 (age 65, non-tobacco)
Coverage gaps filled: Most Medicare gaps, with three exceptions
Plan N covers the same Medicare gaps as Plan G with three differences: copays of up to $20 for office visits, up to $50 for emergency room visits (waived if admitted), and no coverage for Part B excess charges. The premium savings of $50-$150/month can more than offset these copays for seniors who rarely use healthcare.
Pros
- $50-$150/month lower premiums than Plan G — significant over time
- Covers hospital coinsurance, skilled nursing, and most Part B costs
- Good value for healthy seniors making 2-4 doctor visits per year
Cons
- Copays add up for frequent doctor visits ($20/visit x 20 visits = $400/year)
- No excess charge coverage — avoid non-participating physicians
- Less predictable total annual cost than Plan G
Who This Is Best For
Healthy seniors at age 65 with minimal chronic conditions and primarily preventive care needs. Best for those who can identify and consistently use Medicare-assignment-accepting physicians. The break-even math vs. Plan G typically favors Plan N below 6-8 doctor visits per year.
Key Coverage Differences Side by Side
| Coverage Item | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part A deductible | Covered | Covered |
| Part A coinsurance (hospital) | Covered | Covered |
| Part B deductible ($257) | Not covered | Not covered |
| Part B coinsurance (20%) | Covered | Covered (with copay) |
| Part B excess charges | Covered | Not covered |
| Office visit copay | None | Up to $20 |
| ER copay | None | Up to $50 |
| Skilled nursing coinsurance | Covered | Covered |
| Foreign travel emergency | Covered (80%) | Covered (80%) |
The Break-Even Analysis
Assume a premium difference of $100/month ($1,200/year saved with Plan N):
| Scenario | Plan N Extra Cost | Net Plan N Savings |
|---|---|---|
| 4 office visits/year | $80 in copays | $1,120 saved |
| 8 office visits/year | $160 in copays | $1,040 saved |
| 15 office visits/year | $300 in copays | $900 saved |
| Non-assignment physician | Excess charges (up to 15%) | Potentially negative |
The math favors Plan N unless you frequently see non-assignment physicians or have 20+ visits per year. The excess charge risk is the critical variable — verify your physicians accept Medicare assignment before choosing Plan N.
How We Researched This
This guide draws on CMS 2026 Medicare Supplement coverage comparison charts, AHIP supplement premium data, State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) published rate ranges, KFF Medicare supplement analysis (2025-2026), and NAIC Medigap cross-plan comparison data. Premium ranges reflect average 65-year-old non-tobacco users. Last updated: May 2026. Reviewed annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Medigap plan is most popular in 2026?
Plan G is the most popular Medicare Supplement plan in 2026, having overtaken Plan F (no longer available to new Medicare enrollees since 2020). Plan N is the second fastest-growing plan. Together they cover approximately 65% of all new Medigap enrollees.
Can you switch from Plan N to Plan G after enrollment?
Yes, but it's not always guaranteed. If you're within your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (6 months from Part B enrollment), you can switch with no health underwriting. After that window closes, insurers in most states can medically underwrite and decline coverage for pre-existing conditions.
What is a Part B excess charge and why does it matter for Plan N?
A Part B excess charge occurs when a physician doesn't accept Medicare assignment — they can charge up to 15% above Medicare's approved amount. Plan G covers these; Plan N does not. In states with strict limiting charge laws (New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont), excess charges are prohibited — Plan N users in these states face zero excess charge risk.
How much does Medicare Supplement Plan G cost per month in 2026?
Plan G premiums range from $100-$250/month for 65-year-old non-tobacco users, depending on state, insurer, and rating method. Always compare rates from 3+ insurers — the same plan can vary by 30-40%.
Is Plan G or Plan N better for someone just turning 65?
At 65, most people are healthier than they will be later. Common guidance: start with Plan G if you have existing conditions; consider Plan N if you're healthy and want premium savings during the early years. The risk: if your health changes after Open Enrollment, switching from N to G may require underwriting.
What is the difference between Medigap and Medicare Advantage?
Medigap works with Original Medicare — you keep full Medicare coverage and the supplement fills the gaps. Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare with a private plan. Medigap generally offers more provider flexibility; Advantage plans often have lower premiums but more network restrictions.
Do Medicare Supplement plans cover prescription drugs?
No. Medicare Supplement plans do not cover Part D prescription drugs. You need a separate Part D plan. Compare Part D plans annually during open enrollment (October 15 to December 7) using Medicare's Plan Finder tool.
Can both spouses get the same Medicare Supplement plan?
Yes, each spouse needs their own Medigap policy — these are individual plans, not family plans. Both can choose Plan G, both can choose Plan N, or each can choose different plans based on their individual healthcare use. Premiums are set individually based on age, tobacco status, and location.
Important Disclosures
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice. Medicare Supplement coverage, premiums, and availability vary by state and insurer. Speak with a licensed Medicare insurance broker before enrolling. Medicare rules and coverage details change annually — consult Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE for current official information. Some links may be affiliate links — this does not influence our analysis.
By SeniorSimple Staff | Last updated: May 2026 | Reviewed annually during open enrollment