Plan GHDG vs. Plan G

High-Deductible Plan G vs. Plan G: Same Benefits, Different Cost-Sharing

Both plans are standardized Medigap policies built on Original Medicare. The benefits are identical. What differs is when the plan starts paying — and what that trade-off means for your monthly premium.

The core trade-off: Standard Plan G pays covered costs from dollar one (after the Part B deductible). High-Deductible Plan G requires you to meet a CMS-set annual deductible before the plan pays. In exchange, HDG premiums are typically significantly lower than standard Plan G premiums.

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Benefit comparison: Plan G vs. High-Deductible Plan G

Medigap benefits are federally standardized. Every carrier offering Plan G or HDG must provide the same benefit structure. The only difference is the cost-sharing model.

Benefit	Plan G	High-Deductible Plan G
Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (up to 365 days after Medicare benefits are exhausted)	Covered	Covered after deductible
Medicare Part A deductible	Covered	Covered after deductible
Medicare Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment	Covered	Covered after deductible
Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance	Covered	Covered after deductible
Medicare Part B deductible Neither Plan G nor HDG covers the Part B deductible. You pay it once per year before Medicare Part B benefits apply.	Not covered	Not covered
Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment	Covered	Covered after deductible
Medicare Part B excess charges	Covered	Covered after deductible
Foreign travel emergency (up to plan limits) Both plans cover foreign travel emergency at 80% after a separate $250 deductible, up to plan limits. HDG applies the annual deductible first.	Covered (80%, after deductible)	Covered after HDG deductible (80%, after plan deductible)
Blood (first 3 pints)	Covered	Covered after deductible

Benefit structure is federally standardized per CMS. Premiums vary by carrier, age, gender, tobacco use, and state. Source: CMS Medicare Supplement standardized benefit chart.

Understanding the deductible trade-off

The HDG deductible is set annually by CMS and applies to Medicare-covered costs. Once you meet it, HDG covers the same benefits as standard Plan G for the rest of the calendar year. The deductible resets each January 1.

Standard Plan G

Pays covered costs from dollar one (after Part B deductible)
No annual deductible to track or meet
Predictable coverage regardless of how much care you use
Higher monthly premium than HDG

High-Deductible Plan G

Lower monthly premium than standard Plan G
Same benefits as Plan G once the deductible is met
Nationwide provider access — no network restrictions
$3,050 annual deductible (2027) before plan pays
Deductible resets each January 1

Premium savings are illustrative — not guaranteed. Premium savings are illustrative — not guaranteed. The premium difference between HDG and standard Plan G varies by carrier, age, gender, tobacco use, and state. In some markets the gap is substantial; in others it is narrower. Compare actual carrier quotes in your area before making a decision.

Who each plan tends to fit

Standard Plan G may fit if…

You use healthcare regularly and want predictable first-dollar coverage
You prefer not to track or manage a deductible during the year
You have ongoing specialist visits, procedures, or hospitalizations
Peace of mind from knowing the plan pays from dollar one matters to you
You are in a state or situation where HDG carrier availability is limited

High-Deductible Plan G may fit if…

You are generally healthy and rarely need significant medical care
You want Medigap catastrophic protection at the lowest possible premium
You are comfortable self-managing the annual deductible exposure
You have savings or a reserve strategy to cover the deductible if needed
You travel frequently and want nationwide provider access without network restrictions
You are evaluating whether the premium savings outweigh the deductible risk over time

Enrollment timing and underwriting

Both Plan G and High-Deductible Plan G are subject to the same Medigap enrollment rules. During your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (the 6-month window that begins when you are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B), you have guaranteed-issue rights — carriers cannot use your health history to deny coverage or charge higher premiums.

Outside of protected enrollment windows, most states allow carriers to ask health questions and apply underwriting. This means switching plans later — including switching between HDG and standard Plan G — may require medical underwriting and is not guaranteed. A few states have birthday rules or other protections; rules vary by state.

Choosing between HDG and Plan G is a long-term decision. Choosing between HDG and Plan G is a long-term decision. Because switching later may require underwriting, it is worth taking the time to compare both options carefully during your initial enrollment window. An independent broker can run quotes for both plans from multiple carriers so you can see the actual premium difference in your area.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between High-Deductible Plan G and standard Plan G?

Both plans provide the same standardized Medigap benefits once cost-sharing requirements are met. Standard Plan G pays covered costs from dollar one (after the Part B deductible). High-Deductible Plan G requires you to pay a CMS-set annual deductible before the plan pays. In exchange, HDG carries a significantly lower monthly premium than standard Plan G.

What is the High-Deductible Plan G deductible for 2027?

The High-Deductible Plan G deductible for 2027 is $3,050, as set by CMS. This amount is adjusted annually. Once you meet the deductible, HDG covers the same benefits as standard Plan G for the remainder of the calendar year.

Who is High-Deductible Plan G best suited for?

HDG tends to fit people who are generally healthy, rarely use significant healthcare, and want catastrophic Medigap protection at a lower monthly cost. It also suits people who are comfortable self-managing the deductible exposure. Standard Plan G may be a better fit for people who use healthcare regularly and prefer predictable first-dollar coverage.

Can I switch from High-Deductible Plan G to standard Plan G later?

Switching between Medigap plans after your initial enrollment window typically requires medical underwriting in most states. You may be asked health questions and could be declined or rated up. A few states have birthday rules or other protections that allow plan changes without underwriting. Discuss your state’s rules with a licensed broker before making a change.

Is High-Deductible Plan G available from all carriers?

Not all carriers that offer standard Plan G also offer High-Deductible Plan G. Availability varies by state and carrier. A licensed independent broker can compare which carriers offer HDG in your area and at what premium.

Related resources

Plan G overview Plan G vs. Plan N comparison HDG vs. Medicare Advantage The future of Medicare Supplement Medicare Supplement rate increases Get a Medigap quote

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