Medigap Plan G vs Plan N: which is better in 2026?
Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medicare Supplement plans available to people new to Medicare. Plan G covers more, costs more. Plan N covers slightly less and saves you $30–60/month — but adds small office visit + ER copays.
Head-to-head
Plan G
Higher premium ($150–$200/mo typical) · No copays after $283 Part B deductible · Covers Part B excess charges · Most predictable budget
Plan N
Lower premium ($110–$160/mo typical) · $20 office visit copay, $50 ER copay (non-admit) · No coverage of Part B excess charges · Best value if you live where excess charges are banned
Our take
Plan G is the safer pick if you have multiple specialists or unpredictable health. Plan N saves money if you're generally healthy + live in a state that bans Part B excess charges (most of the U.S.). Either is dramatically more predictable than Medicare Advantage if you value freedom of doctor choice.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Medigap Plan G and Plan N?
Plan G covers all Medicare Part B coinsurance with no copays. Plan N has a $20 copay for office visits and a $50 copay for ER visits that don't result in admission, plus doesn't cover Part B excess charges (which only matter in 5 states that allow them). Plan N typically saves $30–60/month in premium.
Which is cheaper, Plan G or Plan N?
Plan N is cheaper in monthly premium — typically $30–60/month less than Plan G in most states. The savings get partially offset by the office visit + ER copays if you use a lot of care.
Does Plan N cover Part B excess charges?
No. Part B excess charges happen when a doctor charges up to 15% more than Medicare's approved amount. Only 5 states allow them: New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, Minnesota, Ohio, Rhode Island. In banned-excess-charge states, Plan G's coverage of excess charges has zero practical value — making Plan N a great deal.
Can I switch from Plan G to Plan N later?
Yes, but most states require medical underwriting outside your initial Open Enrollment Period. So if your health changes after age 65, you might be denied. A handful of states have annual switching protections (Birthday Rule states like CA, NV, OR, ID, OK, MD).
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