Medigap Plan G vs. Plan N: Which Supplement Plan Wins in 2026?

Since Medicare Supplement Plan F was phased out for new enrollees in 2020, Plan G has become the gold standard for comprehensive Medigap coverage. But Plan N has been gaining ground as a popular lower-premium alternative.

So which one is right for you? Let me break it down.

Both Plan G and Plan N cover the same core benefits:

• Part A coinsurance and hospital costs -- up to 365 days after Medicare benefits are used
• Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
• Part A deductible ($1,736 in 2026)
• Part B coinsurance or copayment (with one key difference -- see below)
• Part B excess charges (Plan G only)
• Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
• Blood (first 3 pints)
• Foreign travel emergency (80%, up to plan limits)

With Plan N, you pay up to $20 copay for office visits and up to $50 copay for emergency room visits (waived if admitted). Plan G covers these at 100%.

Some doctors who do not accept Medicare assignment can charge up to 15% more than the Medicare-approved amount. These are called excess charges.

• Plan G covers 100% of excess charges
• Plan N does not cover excess charges

Plan N premiums are typically $20-$50/month less than Plan G, depending on your age, gender, location, and the insurance carrier.

Here is how to think about the trade-off:

To decide which plan saves you more money, compare the annual premium difference against your expected out-of-pocket costs under Plan N.

Example:

• Plan G premium: $165/month
• Plan N premium: $130/month
• Monthly savings with Plan N: $35 ($420/year)

If you have more than 21 office visits per year (at $20 each = $420), Plan G starts to break even. If you see doctors frequently, Plan G may actually cost less overall.

• You see doctors or specialists frequently
• You want zero surprise bills and maximum predictability
• You live in a state where excess charges are common
• You travel frequently and want comprehensive coverage anywhere in the U.S.
• Peace of mind is worth a slightly higher premium to you

• You are generally healthy and have few doctor visits
• You want to lower your monthly premium and are comfortable with occasional copays
• You primarily see doctors who accept Medicare assignment (most do)
• You are comfortable with a small amount of cost-sharing in exchange for savings

Both Plan G and Plan N offer identical benefits regardless of which insurance company you buy from -- the benefits are standardized by federal law. What differs is the premium and the rate increase history of the carrier.

Some carriers have a history of aggressive rate increases. Others are more stable. This is one of the most important things I help clients evaluate -- and it is something you cannot easily research on your own.

For most of my clients who want comprehensive coverage, Plan G is the right choice. For healthier seniors who want to reduce their monthly costs and are comfortable with occasional copays, Plan N is a smart option.

The best way to decide is to compare actual quotes side by side. Call me at (386) 871-3858 -- I will pull quotes from every major carrier in your area and help you find the best value.