Medicare Supplement Plan G vs Plan N: Which Is Right for You?
Choosing between Medigap Plan G and Plan N is one of the most common decisions for Medicare beneficiaries who want supplemental coverage. Both plans offer strong protection against out-of-pocket costs, but they work differently. Plan G has higher premiums but zero copays after the Part B deductible. Plan N has lower premiums but charges up to $20/office visit and up to $50/ER visit (if not admitted). The right choice depends on how you use healthcare.
The Quick Comparison
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium (2026 avg.) | $150–$250 | $100–$180 |
| Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) | You pay | You pay |
| Part B excess charges | Covered | NOT covered |
| Copays for office visits | None | Up to $20/visit |
| Copays for ER (not admitted) | None | Up to $50/visit |
| Foreign travel emergency | Covered | Covered |
How Plan G Works
Plan G covers almost everything Original Medicare doesn't pay — after you meet the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026). Once you pay that deductible:
- No copays for doctor visits
- No copays for outpatient procedures
- No copays for emergency room visits (even if not admitted)
- Part B excess charges covered (when doctors charge more than Medicare-approved amounts)
- 20% coinsurance covered for all Part B services
The catch: Plan G typically has higher monthly premiums than Plan N.
How Plan N Works
Plan N also covers most gaps after the Part B deductible, but with some cost-sharing:
- Up to $20 copay for some office visits
- Up to $50 copay for ER visits if you're not admitted
- Part B excess charges NOT covered (you pay if doctors charge above Medicare rates)
- Lower monthly premiums than Plan G
The trade-off: You have small, predictable copays in exchange for lower premiums.
2026 Costs Breakdown
Plan G Annual Costs
- Part B premium: $202.90/month × 12 = $2,434.80
- Plan G premium: ~$180/month × 12 = $2,160 (example)
- Part B deductible: $283
- Out-of-pocket for Part B services: $0
- Total: ~$4,877.80/year
Plan N Annual Costs
- Part B premium: $202.90/month × 12 = $2,434.80
- Plan N premium: ~$130/month × 12 = $1,560 (example)
- Part B deductible: $283
- Office visit copays: ~$100–$300/year (depends on usage)
- Total: ~$4,377.80–$4,577.80/year
Who Should Choose Plan G?
Plan G is typically better if you:
- See doctors frequently (4+ office visits per year)
- Have chronic conditions requiring ongoing care
- Want zero surprises on medical bills
- Live in an area with many doctors who charge excess fees
- Value predictable budgeting over saving on premiums
Who Should Choose Plan N?
Plan N is typically better if you:
- Are generally healthy with few doctor visits
- Only see doctors 1–3 times per year
- Want lower monthly premiums and don't mind small copays
- Live in an area where most doctors accept Medicare assignment (no excess charges)
- Have a higher risk tolerance for small out-of-pocket costs
The Excess Charges Question
What are Part B excess charges? Doctors who don't "accept assignment" can charge up to 15% more than the Medicare-approved amount. You'd pay this difference.
How common are they?
- In most states, fewer than 5% of doctors charge excess fees
- Some states (like Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont) ban excess charges entirely
- If you live in one of these states, this difference between Plan G and Plan N doesn't matter
Real-World Scenarios
Scenario 1: Active 68-year-old, rarely sick
- 2 doctor visits per year, no hospitalizations
- Plan N saves ~$600/year in premiums
- Copays: ~$40/year (2 visits × $20)
- Net savings with Plan N: ~$560/year
Scenario 2: 72-year-old managing diabetes and hypertension
- Monthly doctor visits (12/year) + specialist visits (6/year)
- Plan G costs more in premiums (~$600/year more)
- But avoids ~$360 in copays (18 visits × $20)
- Net cost difference: ~$240 more for Plan G — but zero billing surprises
Scenario 3: 75-year-old with frequent ER visits (not admitted)
- 3 ER visits per year (observation, not admitted)
- Plan N: $50 copay × 3 = $150 extra
- Plan G eliminates these costs
Can I Switch Between Plan G and Plan N?
Yes, but with caveats:
- You can apply to switch anytime
- Medical underwriting applies after your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (6 months from Part B enrollment)
- If you have health conditions, you may be denied or charged higher rates
- Some states have guaranteed-issue protections for switches
Best practice: Choose carefully during your initial Medigap Open Enrollment when you have guaranteed-issue rights.