What Is Medicare Supplement Plan G?
Medicare Supplement Plan G, also called Medigap Plan G, is a supplemental insurance policy that works alongside Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Its purpose is to cover many of the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare leaves behind, including deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
Plan G is widely considered the most comprehensive Medigap plan available to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. It covers nearly every gap in Original Medicare except for the annual Part B deductible, which is $283 in 2026.
“After working with thousands of Medicare beneficiaries over the past 20 years, I consistently see Plan G deliver the best combination of coverage and value,” says Karl Bruns-Kyler, founder of The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services and a licensed Medicare advisor in 33 states. “For people who want predictable healthcare costs and peace of mind, it is hard to beat.”
Because Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government, a Plan G from one insurance company provides the exact same benefits as a Plan G from another. The only difference between companies is the monthly premium they charge, which means shopping around is one of the most effective ways to save money.
What Does Medicare Supplement Plan G Cover?
Plan G provides extensive coverage for the costs Original Medicare does not pay in full. Here is a complete breakdown of what Plan G covers and what it does not.
Plan G Coverage at a Glance
| Benefit | Plan G Coverage |
|---|---|
| Part A hospital coinsurance and costs (up to 365 additional days after Medicare benefits are exhausted) | ✅ 100% covered |
| Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment | ✅ 100% covered |
| Part A deductible ($1,736 in 2026) | ✅ 100% covered |
| Part B coinsurance or copayment (typically 20% of approved amount) | ✅ 100% covered |
| Part B excess charges | ✅ 100% covered |
| Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance ($217/day for days 21–100 in 2026) | ✅ 100% covered |
| First 3 pints of blood | ✅ 100% covered |
| Foreign travel emergency care (up to plan limits) | ✅ 80% covered |
| Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) | ❌ Not covered |
| Prescription drugs | ❌ Not covered (requires separate Part D plan) |
| Dental, vision, and hearing | ❌ Not covered |
Understanding Each Covered Benefit
Part A Hospital Costs: If you are admitted to the hospital, Original Medicare charges a deductible of $1,736 per benefit period in 2026. After 60 days, you face daily coinsurance of $434 per day (days 61–90) and $868 per day for lifetime reserve days. Plan G covers all of these costs, plus up to an additional 365 days of inpatient care after your Medicare benefits run out.
Part B Coinsurance: For outpatient services, doctor visits, lab work, and durable medical equipment, Medicare typically pays 80% of the approved amount. You are responsible for the remaining 20%. Plan G covers that 20% coinsurance after you pay the annual Part B deductible.
Part B Excess Charges: Some doctors charge up to 15% more than the Medicare-approved amount. Plan G pays these excess charges in full, which is a benefit that not all Medigap plans provide.
Skilled Nursing Facility Care: If you need skilled nursing care after a qualifying hospital stay, Medicare covers days 1–20 in full. For days 21–100, you pay $217 per day in 2026. Plan G covers this coinsurance entirely.
Foreign Travel Emergency: Original Medicare generally does not cover healthcare received outside the United States. Plan G covers 80% of emergency medical costs during foreign travel, up to plan limits.
How Much Does Medicare Supplement Plan G Cost?
The monthly premium for Plan G varies based on several factors. There is no single national price because private insurance companies set their own rates.
Factors That Affect Plan G Premiums
- Your age: Older enrollees generally pay higher premiums.
- Your location: Premiums vary significantly by state and even by zip code.
- Your gender: Women often pay slightly lower premiums than men.
- Tobacco use: Smokers typically pay 10–25% more.
- The insurance company: Because benefits are standardized, the only competitive difference is the premium.
- Rating method: Companies use one of three pricing methods: community-rated (same price for all ages), issue-age-rated (based on age at enrollment), or attained-age-rated (increases as you age).
Typical Plan G Premium Ranges (2026)
| Age at Enrollment | Estimated Monthly Premium Range |
|---|---|
| 65 | $100–$250/month |
| 70 | $130–$300/month |
| 75 | $160–$400/month |
| 80+ | $200–$500+/month |
Note: These are general estimates. Your actual premium will depend on your location, health status, and the insurance company you choose. Learn more about Plan G costs and how to compare rates.
Your Total Annual Out-of-Pocket Cost with Plan G
With Plan G, your maximum predictable annual cost is straightforward:
- Monthly premium (varies by plan) × 12 months
- + Part B deductible: $283 (2026)
- = Total annual cost
After meeting the Part B deductible, you pay nothing else for Medicare-approved services for the rest of the year. This predictability is one of Plan G’s greatest strengths.
“One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is focusing only on the monthly premium,” notes Karl Bruns-Kyler. “You need to look at your total annual cost, including what you would pay without supplemental coverage. Plan G gives you a clear, predictable number each year.”
Plan G vs. Plan F: Which Is Better?
Plan F was long considered the gold standard of Medigap coverage. The key difference is simple: Plan F covers the Part B deductible; Plan G does not. Everything else is identical.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Plan G | Plan F |
|---|---|---|
| Part A deductible | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| Part A hospital coinsurance | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| Part B coinsurance | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| Part B excess charges | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) | ❌ Not covered | ✅ Covered |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| Foreign travel emergency | ✅ 80% | ✅ 80% |
| Available to new Medicare enrollees (after Jan 1, 2020) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Why Plan G Is Often the Better Value
Since 2020, Plan F has been closed to new Medicare enrollees. Only people who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, can still purchase Plan F. Because the Plan F risk pool is no longer accepting younger, generally healthier enrollees, Plan F premiums have been rising faster than Plan G premiums.
The math often works out in Plan G’s favor. Even though you pay the $283 Part B deductible with Plan G, the annual premium savings compared to Plan F frequently exceed that amount. Over time, the gap is expected to widen further as the Plan F pool ages.
Plan G vs. Plan N: Key Differences
Plan N is the other popular Medigap option. It offers lower premiums than Plan G, but with a trade-off: less comprehensive coverage.
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part A deductible | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| Part B coinsurance | ✅ 100% covered | ✅ Covered (with copays*) |
| Part B excess charges | ✅ Covered | ❌ Not covered |
| Part B deductible | ❌ Not covered | ❌ Not covered |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| Foreign travel emergency | ✅ 80% | ✅ 80% |
| Typical monthly premium | Higher | Lower |
*Plan N charges up to a $20 copay for office visits and up to a $50 copay for emergency room visits that do not result in admission.
Choose Plan G if: You want maximum predictability, see doctors frequently, or want protection against Part B excess charges.
Choose Plan N if: You are generally healthy, have fewer doctor visits, and want to save on your monthly premium while accepting some cost-sharing.
Plan G vs. Medicare Advantage: A Different Approach
It is also important to understand how Plan G compares to Medicare Advantage (Part C), which is a fundamentally different way to receive Medicare benefits.
| Feature | Plan G (Medigap) | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Works with | Original Medicare | Replaces Original Medicare |
| Doctor/hospital choice | Any provider that accepts Medicare | Usually limited to plan network |
| Monthly premium | $100–$400+ | $0–$100+ (plus Part B premium) |
| Out-of-pocket maximum | Effectively the Part B deductible ($283) | Up to $8,850 in-network (2026) |
| Prescription drugs | Requires separate Part D plan | Often included |
| Extra benefits (dental, vision) | Not included | Often included |
| Referrals needed | No | Often (HMO plans) |
Medicare Advantage can be appealing for its low premiums and extra benefits. However, Plan G paired with Original Medicare offers greater freedom of provider choice and lower maximum out-of-pocket risk. For people who travel frequently, see specialists regularly, or want the certainty that their costs will not spiral, Medigap Plan G is often the stronger choice.
Who Is Eligible for Medicare Supplement Plan G?
To enroll in Plan G, you must:
- Be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. You need both parts of Original Medicare before you can add a Medigap policy.
- Live in the plan’s service area. Most Medigap plans are available statewide, but availability can vary.
The Best Time to Enroll: Medigap Open Enrollment Period
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is the most important window for buying a Plan G policy. It lasts six months and begins on the first day of the month you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B.
During this period, you have a guaranteed issue right. This means:
- Insurance companies cannot deny you coverage
- They cannot charge you more based on health conditions
- No medical underwriting is required
After this window closes, insurance companies in most states can use medical underwriting. That means they may deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health history. This is why enrolling during your Open Enrollment Period is critical.
Other Enrollment Opportunities
- Guaranteed issue rights: Certain life events, such as losing employer coverage or having a Medicare Advantage plan leave your area, can trigger guaranteed issue rights that let you buy Plan G without underwriting.
- Special Enrollment Periods: Some states offer additional protections, such as annual birthday rule enrollment (in states like California, Oregon, and others) that allow you to switch Medigap plans once a year.
How to Choose the Best Plan G Policy
Because every Plan G offers identical benefits, choosing the right policy comes down to comparing insurance companies. Here is what to evaluate:
1. Compare Premium Rates
Get quotes from multiple insurance carriers. Premiums for the same Plan G coverage can vary by $50–$150 per month or more depending on the company. Since the benefits are identical, the lowest-cost plan from a reputable insurer is often the best deal.
2. Understand the Pricing Method
- Community-rated: Everyone pays the same premium regardless of age. Best for long-term cost stability.
- Issue-age-rated: Your premium is based on your age when you buy the policy. Premiums do not increase because of aging (though they may increase due to inflation).
- Attained-age-rated: Your premium increases as you age. Often the cheapest initially, but can become the most expensive over time.
3. Research the Insurance Company
- Check the company’s AM Best rating for financial stability
- Read customer reviews and complaint ratios from your state’s Department of Insurance
- Look at the company’s history of rate increases in your state
4. Consider Household and Other Discounts
Many insurers offer discounts for married couples enrolling together, paying premiums annually, or enrolling through specific channels. These discounts can reduce your premium by 5–15%.
How to Enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan G
Enrolling in Plan G involves a few straightforward steps:
- Confirm your Medicare enrollment. Ensure you are enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B.
- Compare plans in your area. Review quotes from multiple insurance companies. An independent Medicare insurance advisor can help you compare options without bias toward any single carrier.
- Apply during your Open Enrollment Period for guaranteed acceptance at the best rates.
- Select your preferred insurer based on premium, pricing method, financial ratings, and customer service.
- Enroll in a separate Part D plan for prescription drug coverage, since Plan G does not cover medications.
“Working with an independent advisor who represents multiple carriers is the most efficient way to find the best Plan G rate in your area,” says Karl Bruns-Kyler. “An independent advisor has no incentive to steer you toward one company. Their job is to find you the best price for the exact same coverage.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Plan G
Does Plan G cover the Part B deductible?
No. The annual Medicare Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) is the only standard Medicare cost that Plan G does not cover. After you pay this deductible, Plan G covers virtually everything else.
Is Plan G the same no matter which company I buy it from?
Yes. Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government. A Plan G from any insurance company covers the exact same benefits. The only difference between companies is the premium they charge and the quality of their customer service.
Can I see any doctor with Plan G?
Yes. Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap Plan G works with Original Medicare. You can see any doctor or visit any hospital in the United States that accepts Medicare patients, with no network restrictions or referral requirements.
Does Plan G cover prescription drugs?
No. You will need to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan separately. Plan G covers medical services, not medications.
When is the best time to sign up for Plan G?
During your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts when you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. This is when you have guaranteed acceptance and the best rates.
Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to Plan G?
Yes, but timing and eligibility matter. You can switch during certain enrollment periods, but outside of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you may be subject to medical underwriting. Some states offer additional protections. An experienced Medicare advisor can help you understand your options.
The Bottom Line on Medicare Supplement Plan G
Medicare Supplement Plan G offers the most comprehensive Medigap coverage available to new Medicare enrollees. For a predictable monthly premium plus the $283 annual Part B deductible, you get near-complete protection against out-of-pocket Medicare costs. You can see any doctor who accepts Medicare, travel freely across the country, and avoid the network restrictions and surprise costs that come with other coverage options.
The key to getting the most value from Plan G is enrolling during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period and comparing rates from multiple insurance companies. Since every Plan G provides identical benefits, the smartest move is finding the best price from a financially stable insurer.
If you are approaching 65, recently enrolled in Medicare, or considering a change from your current coverage, Plan G is worth serious consideration. Explore how Plan G compares to other Medigap plans to determine if it is the right fit for your healthcare needs and budget.