Plan G vs Plan N vs High-Deductible Plan G
The three most popular Medicare Supplement plans — compared side by side so you can make the right choice for your health and budget.
Call (386) 871-3858 — Free ComparisonAt a Glance
Quick summary of each plan before we dive into the details.
Plan G
Most Popular — Maximum Coverage
Plan G is the gold standard for new Medicare enrollees. You pay one annual deductible ($283) and Medicare + Plan G cover virtually everything else. No networks, no referrals, no surprises.
Best For
- Seniors who want predictable, near-zero out-of-pocket costs
- Those with frequent doctor visits or specialist care
- Anyone who wants to see any Medicare-accepting doctor nationwide
- Seniors who travel and want nationwide + foreign emergency coverage
Plan N
Lower Premium — Small Copays
Plan N trades a lower monthly premium for small copays ($20 office, $50 ER) and no excess charge coverage. A smart choice for healthy seniors who want to save on premiums.
Best For
- Healthy seniors who rarely visit doctors
- Those who want lower monthly premiums
- Seniors comfortable with small, predictable copays
- Those whose doctors accept Medicare assignment (no excess charges)
Plan HDG
Lowest Premium — High Deductible
HDG offers the same comprehensive coverage as Plan G — but only after you meet a $2,870 annual deductible. The dramatically lower premium makes it ideal for healthy seniors who want catastrophic protection.
Best For
- Very healthy seniors who rarely use healthcare
- Those who want the lowest possible monthly premium
- Seniors with savings to cover the deductible if needed
- Those who want catastrophic protection with minimal monthly cost
Benefit-by-Benefit Comparison
Every benefit, every plan — no fine print hidden.
| Benefit | Plan G Most Popular | Plan N Best Value | Plan HDG Lowest Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
Medicare Part A Coinsurance & Hospital Costs | |||
Medicare Part A Deductible | |||
Medicare Part A Hospice Care Coinsurance | |||
Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance | |||
Medicare Part B Coinsurance (20%) | |||
Medicare Part B Deductible | |||
Medicare Part B Excess Charges | |||
Foreign Travel Emergency (80%) | |||
Office Visit Copay | $0 | Up to $20 | $0 after deductible |
Emergency Room Copay | $0 | $50 (waived if admitted) | $0 after deductible |
Annual Deductible | $0 | $0 | $2,870 (2026) |
| Typical Monthly Premium (FL) | $110–$190 | $80–$130 | $35–$65 |
* Premiums vary by age, gender, tobacco use, ZIP code, and carrier. Rates shown are estimates for a 65-year-old female non-smoker in Florida. Call for your exact quote.
The 3 Key Differences
What actually separates these plans in real-world use.
Part B Excess Charges
Plan G and HDG cover Part B excess charges — the extra amount (up to 15%) a non-participating doctor can charge above Medicare's approved rate. Plan N does NOT cover excess charges. If you see doctors who don't accept Medicare assignment, Plan G or HDG protects you. Most Florida doctors accept Medicare assignment, but it's worth checking.
High impact if you see non-participating providersOffice & ER Copays (Plan N)
Plan N requires a $20 copay for most office visits and a $50 copay for emergency room visits (waived if you're admitted). Plans G and HDG have no copays. If you visit the doctor frequently, these copays can add up — but for healthy seniors who rarely go, Plan N's lower premium often more than compensates.
Moderate impact depending on how often you see doctorsThe HDG Deductible ($2,870 in 2026)
High-Deductible Plan G requires you to pay the first $2,870 of Medicare-covered costs each year before the plan pays anything. In exchange, premiums are dramatically lower — often $35–$65/month vs $110–$190 for standard Plan G. For a healthy senior, the premium savings ($900–$1,500/year) often exceed the deductible risk. But if you have significant medical needs, standard Plan G provides more predictable costs.
Very high impact — the defining feature of HDGReal-World Cost Scenarios
How each plan performs in different health situations over one year.
Healthy Year
2 routine doctor visits, no hospitalizations, no specialist care
Moderate Use
8 doctor visits, 1 specialist, minor outpatient procedure
High Use
Hospital stay, surgery, multiple specialist visits, rehab
* Estimates based on average Florida premiums for a 65-year-old female non-smoker. Actual costs vary. Call for a personalized comparison.
Which Plan Is Right For You?
A simple decision guide based on your situation.
"You want the most comprehensive coverage with near-zero out-of-pocket costs"
"You're healthy, rarely see doctors, and want to save on monthly premiums"
"You're very healthy, have savings, and want the absolute lowest monthly cost"
"You have chronic conditions, take multiple medications, or see specialists regularly"
"You travel frequently outside the U.S."
Common Questions
Can I switch from Plan N to Plan G later?
Yes, but you'll likely need to pass medical underwriting (answer health questions) unless you have a guaranteed issue right. If you're healthy when you first enroll, locking in Plan G during your open enrollment window avoids this issue.
Is Plan F still available?
Plan F is only available to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you turned 65 after that date, Plan G is the most comprehensive plan available to you — and it's nearly identical to Plan F (the only difference is Plan F covered the Part B deductible).
Does the carrier matter if the plan is standardized?
The benefits are identical regardless of carrier — a Plan G from Lumico covers the same things as a Plan G from Mutual of Omaha. The differences are premium price, financial stability, and customer service. That's why I compare all carriers in your ZIP code to find the best rate.
Can I use any doctor with these plans?
Yes — all three plans (G, N, and HDG) allow you to see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, anywhere in the country. There are no networks, no referrals, and no prior authorizations for Medicare-covered services.
What's the Part B deductible in 2026?
The Medicare Part B deductible is $283 in 2026. None of these three plans cover it — you pay it once per year. After that, Plan G and HDG (after its deductible) cover your 20% coinsurance.
How do I know which plan is best for my specific situation?
Call me. I'll compare every carrier available in your ZIP code for all three plans, show you the 5-year cost projections, and help you choose based on your health, budget, and doctors. It's free and takes about 20 minutes.
Explore Medicare Supplement Carriers
Not Sure Which Plan Fits You? Let's Figure It Out Together.
I'll compare every carrier in your ZIP code for Plan G, N, and HDG — side by side, with real numbers. Free, no pressure. Call (386) 871-3858.