Medigap Plan G vs Plan N: Which Should You Choose?
Plan G is the better choice if you want the most comprehensive Medigap coverage with predictable costs and no copays. Plan N is the smarter pick if you visit the doctor infrequently and want lower monthly premiums — trading small copays for savings. Both plans cover the same core Original Medicare gaps, but Plan G covers Medicare Part B excess charges and has no office-visit copays, while Plan N charges up to $20 per office visit and $50 for emergency room visits (waived if admitted). Your decision comes down to how often you see doctors and how much premium flexibility matters to you.
What Do Plan G and Plan N Actually Cover?
Both Medigap Plan G and Plan N are standardized by the federal government, meaning the benefits are identical regardless of which insurance company sells them. They share a wide overlap:
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs — covered 100%
- Part B coinsurance — covered 100%
- First three pints of blood — covered
- Part A hospice care coinsurance — covered 100%
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance — covered 100%
- Part A deductible — covered 100%
- Foreign travel emergency — covered up to 80%
The differences show up in two places: Part B excess charges and copays.
What Is the Difference Between Plan G and Plan N?
Plan G: Maximum Coverage, No Surprises
Plan G covers 100% of Medicare Part B excess charges. An excess charge happens when a healthcare provider who does not accept Medicare assignment charges more than the Medicare-approved amount. Without Plan G, you would pay that difference out of pocket.
Plan G also has no copays for office visits. You pay the annual Part B deductible (currently $283 per year in 2026), and after that, your plan covers the rest. There are no surprise bills when you walk into a doctor’s office.
Plan N: Lower Premium, Small Copays
Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges. If your doctor charges above the Medicare-approved amount, you are responsible for the difference.
Plan N also introduces copays:
- Up to $20 for some office visits
- Up to $50 for emergency room visits (waived if you are admitted to the hospital)
These copays are modest, but they add up if you see multiple specialists or visit the doctor frequently.
How Much More Does Plan G Cost Than Plan N?
Premiums vary by state, age, gender, tobacco use, and zip code, so exact prices depend on your location. As a general range:
- Plan G premiums typically run $20 to $40 more per month than Plan N in the same area
- Plan N premiums are consistently lower — often the most affordable tier of comprehensive Medigap coverage
That difference adds up to roughly $240 to $480 per year. If you visit the doctor two or three times a year, Plan N copays ($20 each) cost you $40 to $60 — still a net savings. But if you see specialists regularly or have a chronic condition that generates frequent visits, those copays multiply and can erode the premium savings.
Who Should Choose Plan G?
Plan G tends to be the right fit if you:
- See multiple doctors or specialists regularly
- Want zero copays after the annual Part B deductible
- Prefer predictable, set-it-and-forget-it healthcare costs
- Travel internationally and want the 80% foreign travel emergency coverage (both plans offer this, but Plan G’s lack of copays makes budgeting easier)
- Are concerned about excess charges from providers who do not accept Medicare assignment
Plan G is the most popular Medigap plan for new enrollees, and for good reason: after you pay the $283 annual Part B deductible, your out-of-pocket medical costs are essentially zero.
Who Should Choose Plan N?
Plan N makes sense if you:
- Visit the doctor infrequently — a few times a year at most
- Are comfortable with small copays in exchange for a lower monthly premium
- Are in good health and do not anticipate heavy medical use
- Want to save $240 to $480 annually on premiums and can absorb occasional $20 copays
Plan N is especially attractive for healthy retirees who want solid Medigap protection without paying for coverage they rarely use.
What About the Part B Deductible?
Neither Plan G nor Plan N covers the annual Part B deductible. In 2026, that deductible is $283 per year. You pay this amount yourself before your Medigap plan begins covering Part B services. This is the same for both plans, so it is not a differentiator.
Can I Switch Between Plan G and Plan N Later?
You can apply to switch, but outside your initial Medigap open enrollment period (the six months when you first enroll in Medicare Part B), insurance companies can use medical underwriting to decide whether to accept you and what premium to charge. If you have developed health conditions since enrolling, you could be denied coverage or face higher premiums.
This is why it is important to choose carefully during your initial enrollment window. A licensed agent at Trek Insurance Solutions can help you compare plans side by side based on your health, budget, and doctor preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plan G better than Plan N?
It depends on your health and budget. Plan G offers more comprehensive coverage with no copays, but costs more in monthly premiums. Plan N costs less each month but requires small copays for some doctor visits. For most people who want predictable costs, Plan G is the safer choice.
What is the biggest difference between Plan G and Plan N?
Two key differences: Plan G covers Medicare Part B excess charges and has no office visit copays, while Plan N does not cover excess charges and charges up to $20 per office visit and $50 per ER visit.
Can I have both Medigap and Medicare Advantage?
No. You cannot hold a Medigap policy and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time. Medigap works alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B) only.
When should I enroll in a Medigap plan?
The best time is during your initial Medigap open enrollment period — the six months starting when you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B. During this window, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge more due to pre-existing conditions.
Ready to Compare Plans?
Choosing between Plan G and Plan N does not have to be complicated. A licensed agent at Trek Insurance Solutions can walk you through the options, compare premiums in your area, and help you find the plan that fits your health needs and budget.
Call us today: 888-960-0442 Visit: trekis.net/medicare
Trek Insurance Solutions is a licensed insurance agency serving multiple states. We are a Third-Party Marketing Organization (TPMO). We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.