It’s easy to make mistakes when you’re picking the perfect plan to take your coverage to the next level. That’s why we created this simple guide to help seniors decide whether they should pick Medigap Plan G over options like Plan N, or Plan F.
What is Medicare Plan G?
Medicare Plan G is a supplemental health insurance plan meant to bridge some of the gaps left behind by Original Medicare (Plans A and B).
Otherwise known as “Medigap Plan G”, this plan helps to cover various out-of-pocket costs for services typically approved by Medicare Parts A and B, apart from your Part B deductible of $226.
You can access Medicare Plan G, and other Medigap plans as soon as you’re enrolled in Medicare Part A and B. The plan G offers extensive coverage, helping with costs for things like:
- Hospitalization deductibles, copays, and co-insurance
- Your Medicare 20% part B coinsurance
- Skilled nursing care and hospice care
- The first three pints of blood
- Excess physician charges (under Medicare Part B)
- Up to 80% of foreign emergency care
However, it doesn’t include coverage for prescription drugs, dental care, vision, hearing aids, private duty nursing care, and long-term home care.
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Medicare Plan G Pros and Cons
Medicare Plan G is a great choice for seniors looking for broad coverage and predictable costs, but it’s not the right pick for every situation. Here are the core Medicare Plan G pros and cons you’ll need to consider when choosing your plan.
Pros of Medicare Plan G
- Comprehensive coverage: Medicare Plan G covers almost all of the out-of-pocket expenses Original Medicare doesn’t, such as coinsurance, copayments, and excess charges.
- Predictable costs: With limited out-of-pocket expenses, Plan G offers financial predictability for those on a fixed income.
- No network restrictions: Plan G is accepted anywhere that accepts Medicare, so you can visit any provider or facility you like.
Cons of Medicare Plan G
- Higher Monthly Premiums: Premiums range between $300 and $800 monthly, depending on factors like location, age, and health status.
- Excludes Part B Deductible: The Part B deductible ($257 in 2025) is not covered under Plan G.
- No Prescription Drug Coverage: You’ll need a separate Medicare Part D plan to cover medication costs.
Who Is Medicare Plan G Best For?
Medicare Plan G is generally best for individuals who want maximum coverage, with minimal surprise medical bills. It’s a great option for seniors with frequent healthcare needs, who value comprehensive coverage, and reduced out-of-pocket expenses.
It’s also a good choice if you’re looking for nationwide provider access (without network restrictions), and predictable monthly expenses. If you’re in reasonably good health, and you don’t need prescription drug coverage, and other extras, Plan G might be the best choice for you.
How Much Does Medicare Plan G Cost?
If you’re comparing Medicare Plan G’s pros and cons to the ups and downs of other coverage solutions, you might be wondering how much you can expect to pay for this supplemental insurance.
The good news is that coverage for Medigap plans is standardized. However, the rates for each plan differ depending on your chosen insurance provider.
Plans can range from $300 to $800 per month, although high-deductible plans (available in some states), can be much cheaper. Ultimately, the amount you pay will depend on your age, location, and health history.
Fortunately, if you enroll during your initial eligibility period, insurers won’t be able to deny coverage, or suddenly charge higher rates. So it’s a good idea to act fast.
How Plan G Compares to Plan F and Plan N
Medigap Plan G and Plan N are two of the most popular supplement plans for Medicare members. Plan N covers slightly less than plan G but also typically has slightly lower premiums.
It can cover all of your Medicare Part B coinsurance costs, except for $20 copays for office visits, and $50 copays for ER visits. Medicare Plan G is likely to be the better option for individuals with frequent medical appointments.
Medicare Plan F covers virtually all of the same things as Plan G; however, it also covers the Medicare Part B deductible. Unfortunately, if you became eligible for Medicare in the year 2020 or later, you can only choose Plan G – Plan F is no longer available.
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Is Medicare Plan G Right for You?
Medicare Plan G offers extensive coverage, predictable costs, and flexibility in choosing providers, making it a top choice for seniors needing comprehensive care. However, its higher premiums and limited additional benefits mean it may not fit everyone’s needs.
Not sure which plan you should choose?
Get a free consultation with one of our Personal Benefits Managers to see if Medicare Plan G is the right choice for you.
For Further Reading:
Whitney Kline is one of your Personal Benefits Managers at Medigap Advisors. She loves working for Medigap Advisors especially helping clients choose the right Medicare plan.