Plan G vs Plan N: Which Medicare Supplement Actually Saves You More?
By Mike Reed, Licensed Medicare Specialist · 6 min read
If you're shopping a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, the choice almost always comes down to Plan G or Plan N. They're the two most popular plans on the market — and the right one for you depends on a few simple questions about how often you see the doctor and how much you want your monthly premium to be.
Here's the honest breakdown — no jargon, no sales pitch.
Quick comparison
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. monthly premium (age 65) | $130–$170 | $95–$130 |
| Part A hospital deductible | ||
| Part B coinsurance (20%) | ||
| Skilled nursing coinsurance | ||
| Foreign travel emergency (80%) | ||
| Part B deductible ($240/yr) | ||
| Part B excess charges | ||
| Doctor office copay | $0 | Up to $20 |
| ER copay (waived if admitted) | $0 | Up to $50 |
The cost-benefit, in plain English
Plan G is the "set it and forget it" plan. Once you pay the annual Part B deductible (about $240 for 2026), Medicare and Plan G pick up essentially everything else. You won't see a bill at the doctor's office.
Plan N saves you money up front — usually $30–$50 a month — in exchange for some small, predictable costs. You pay the Part B deductible yourself, up to a $20 copay when you see the doctor, and up to $50 if you go to the ER and aren't admitted.
Real-world math
Say your Plan G premium is $160/month and the same-carrier Plan N is $115/month. That's $540 saved per year on premium alone. Even if you see the doctor 8 times ($160 in copays) and pay the full Part B deductible ($240), you're still $140 ahead — and most clients see the doctor far less than that.
When Plan G is the better choice
- You see specialists or your primary care doctor frequently (more than ~10 visits per year).
- You live in a state where Part B excess charges are common.
- You want zero surprises — predictable bills matter more than the lowest premium.
When Plan N is the better choice
- You're generally healthy and see the doctor only a handful of times a year.
- You'd rather keep $400–$600 in your pocket every year and absorb small copays.
- Your doctors accept Medicare assignment (most do — we'll verify before you switch).
"Can I switch from Plan G to Plan N?"
Yes — and many of our clients do. In most states it requires answering a short health questionnaire (underwriting). A handful of states have birthday-rule or anniversary-rule windows that let you switch without underwriting once a year. We check your state's rules before you fill out a single form.
The bottom line
If you're on Plan G and haven't shopped your rate in a year or two, there's a good chance Plan N — or even a cheaper Plan G from a different carrier — could put real money back in your budget without changing your doctors or coverage.
Free Rate Rescue — see what you'd actually save
I'll compare your current premium against every major carrier's Plan G and Plan N rates for your zip code. No pressure, no obligation — just the numbers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Plan N cheaper than Plan G?
Yes. Plan N premiums typically run $30–$50 less per month than Plan G for the same age, gender, and zip code. The trade-off is small copays at the doctor ($20) and ER ($50, waived if admitted), plus you pay the Part B deductible and any Part B excess charges yourself.
What does Plan G cover that Plan N doesn't?
Plan G covers Part B excess charges and waives the office/ER copays. Plan N does not cover excess charges, so if a doctor doesn't accept Medicare assignment they can bill up to 15% above the Medicare-approved amount.
Who should switch from Plan G to Plan N?
Healthy seniors who see the doctor only a handful of times a year, live in a state where most providers accept Medicare assignment, and want to lock in a lower monthly premium. If you visit specialists frequently or live somewhere excess charges are common, Plan G is usually the better value.
Will switching require medical underwriting?
In most states, yes. Some states (like California, Oregon, Missouri, and others with birthday or anniversary rules) let you switch without underwriting in a set window each year. We'll check your state's rules before you apply.
Do Plan G and Plan N work with the same doctors?
Yes. Both are Medicare Supplements, so they work with any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare nationwide. There are no networks with either plan.