Medigap Plan G vs. Plan N: What You Pay and What's Covered

The main difference: Plan G covers more, Plan N costs less upfront

Plan G and Plan N are both standardized Medigap policies that work the same way — they fill gaps in Original Medicare coverage. The difference is what each plan pays for you and what you pay in premiums each month.

Plan G covers the Part B deductible (the amount you pay before Medicare kicks in each year), while Plan N does not. Plan N also charges you a small copay at the doctor's office and for emergency room visits, while Plan G does not. For most people, Plan G costs more per month but less out of pocket when you actually use care. Plan N costs less per month but more when you see a doctor.

Which plan makes sense depends on how often you see doctors, what your local premiums are, and whether you want predictable costs or lower monthly payments.

Key Takeaways

• Plan G pays your Part B deductible and has no copays at the doctor; Plan N does not cover the deductible and charges $20 copays for office visits and $50 for emergency room visits.
• Plan G premiums are typically $30 to $50 higher per month than Plan N, but you save that difference if you see a doctor more than a few times a year.
• Both plans cover the same things otherwise: coinsurance, copays for hospital stays, skilled nursing facility costs, and foreign travel emergencies.
• You can switch between Plan G and Plan N during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7) without a medical exam, as long as you stay with the same insurance company or switch to one that will take you.
• Your actual monthly premium for either plan varies by insurance company and where you live, so comparing quotes from multiple insurers is the only way to know your real cost.

What Plan G covers that Plan N does not

Plan G pays your Part B deductible in full. In 2024, that deductible is $240 per year — the amount you pay out of your own pocket before Medicare starts paying its share of doctor visits and outpatient care. If you have Plan N, you pay that $240 yourself.

Plan G also has no copays when you see a doctor or go to the emergency room. Plan N charges you $20 for each office visit and $50 for an emergency room visit (though the emergency room copay is waived if you're admitted to the hospital). These copays can add up if you see multiple doctors or have frequent urgent care visits.

Both plans cover the same things otherwise: your share of hospital coinsurance, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, blood transfusions, hospice care coinsurance, and emergency care outside the United States.

How the monthly premium difference usually plays out

Plan G premiums are typically $30 to $50 higher per month than Plan N, though this varies by insurance company and your location. That means Plan G costs roughly $360 to $600 more per year in premiums alone.

But Plan N's copays add up. If you see your primary care doctor 12 times a year and a specialist 6 times, that's 18 visits at $20 each — $360 in copays. Add the $240 Part B deductible you pay with Plan N, and you're at $600 out of pocket before any emergency room visits or other care. With Plan G, you would have paid the higher premium but no copays or deductible.

The break-even point depends on your specific premiums and how often you see doctors. Someone who sees a doctor fewer than 5 times a year might come out ahead with Plan N's lower premiums. Someone who sees doctors regularly, or who has multiple specialists, usually saves money with Plan G despite the higher premium.

When you can switch between Plan G and Plan N

You can change from one Medigap plan to another during the annual open enrollment period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. Changes take effect January 1. During this window, insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge you more based on your health history — this protection is called may provide issue.

You can also switch if you move to a new state or if your current insurance company stops selling Medigap in your area. Outside of these windows, an insurance company can refuse to sell you a plan or charge you more if you have pre-existing conditions.

If you're switching from Plan N to Plan G, the insurance company must accept you. If you're switching from Plan G to Plan N, the company can ask health questions and potentially deny you, though many companies will still take you. Always check with the specific insurance company before you assume you can switch.

How to compare actual costs in your area

Your premium for Plan G or Plan N depends entirely on which insurance company you choose and where you live. The same plan can cost $100 per month with one company and $180 with another in the same city.

To find your real costs, contact insurance companies directly or use the Medicare Plan Finder tool at Medicare.gov. Enter your zip code and the plans you're interested in, and you'll see quotes from companies that sell in your area. Write down the monthly premium for each plan from each company.

Then estimate your out-of-pocket costs for the year. If you see a doctor 10 times a year, Plan N would cost you $200 in copays plus the $240 deductible. Add that to the annual premium (monthly premium × 12) to get your total yearly cost. Do the same for Plan G, using only the premium since there are no copays or deductible. The plan with the lower total is usually the better deal for your situation.

Other Medigap plans and when they might make sense

Plan F covers everything Plan G covers, plus the Part B deductible and copays — but it's only available to people who turned 65 before January 1, 2020. If you're may be able to access for Plan F, it's usually the most comprehensive option, though premiums are typically the highest.

Plan C is similar to Plan G but also covers the Part A deductible (the hospital deductible). Like Plan F, it's only available to people who turned 65 before January 1, 2020. Plan C premiums are usually between Plan G and Plan F.

If you turned 65 on or after January 1, 2020, you can only choose from Plans A, B, D, G, K, L, M, or N. Plan G and Plan N are the most popular choices for this group because they offer the most comprehensive coverage at reasonable premiums.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from Plan N to Plan G if I have health problems?

Yes, during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7) you can switch to Plan G without any medical exam or health questions. Outside of this window, you would need to may have access to for may provide issue protection — for example, by moving to a new state or losing your current coverage.

Does Plan N's copay apply if I'm admitted to the hospital from the emergency room?

No. If you go to the emergency room and are admitted to the hospital, the $50 emergency room copay is waived. You would still owe your hospital coinsurance, which both Plan G and Plan N cover.

What if my doctor charges more than Medicare allows?

Both Plan G and Plan N cover excess charges up to the amount Medicare allows. If your doctor doesn't accept Medicare assignment (meaning they charge more than Medicare's approved amount), you could owe the difference. This is rare, but it's worth asking your doctor whether they accept Medicare assignment.

Do Plan G and Plan N cover prescription drugs?

No. Neither Medigap plan covers prescription medications. You need a separate Part D prescription drug plan for that coverage. You can enroll in Part D when you first become may be able to access for Medicare, or during the annual open enrollment period.

What happens to my Medigap plan if I move to a different state?

Your plan ends when you move. You have 63 days from the date you move to enroll in a new Medigap plan in your new state, and during that time you have may provide issue protection — meaning the insurance company cannot deny you or charge you more based on health. Contact insurance companies in your new state to see what plans and premiums are available.