Medigap Plan G vs Plan N: Which Is Right for You?

If you are shopping for a Medigap plan, you will almost certainly narrow it down to Plan G or Plan N. They are the two most popular Supplement plans sold today, and for good reason. Both give you the freedom to see any doctor who accepts Medicare anywhere in the country, with no referrals and no networks. The difference between them comes down to one thing: how much you are willing to trade in monthly premium savings for occasional out-of-pocket costs.

Bryce's Take

Most clients who choose Plan N do it for the wrong reason, they see the lower premium and stop there. The number that actually matters is how often you see doctors. I have had clients save $300 a year on premium and spend $400 in copays. Run the math on your actual usage before you decide, and I can help you do that for your specific situation.

What Plan G covers

Plan G is as close to complete coverage as Medigap gets. After you meet the Part B deductible once per year (currently $257 in 2025), Plan G pays 100% of Medicare-approved costs. That means $0 copays for doctor visits and outpatient procedures, $0 for inpatient hospital stays, $0 for skilled nursing facility care (days 21-100), and even emergency care in foreign countries covered at 80%. The only thing Plan G does not cover is that annual Part B deductible, which you pay once at the start of each year and then forget about.

What Plan N covers

Plan N covers the same major expenses as Plan G, with two differences. First, you still pay the Part B deductible each year. Second, you pay up to $20 for office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that do not result in hospital admission. These copays apply every time you visit a doctor or urgent care facility. There is no annual cap on how many times they can apply. Plan N also does not cover Part B excess charges, though most doctors accept Medicare assignment and do not charge excess fees.

The premium difference

Plan N typically costs $20 to $50 less per month than Plan G from the same carrier. Over a full year, that saves you $240 to $600. The question is whether you will spend more than that in copays. If you see your primary care doctor six times per year and pay the $20 copay each time, that is $120 in copays. Add the $257 Part B deductible and your total out-of-pocket is $377. If the premium difference is $40/month ($480/year), Plan G costs you $480 while Plan N costs you $377 when accounting for copays. Plan N wins in this scenario. But that math changes if you see specialists frequently or visit urgent care.

When Plan G makes more sense

Plan G is the better choice when the premium difference between G and N is small (under $20/month), when you see doctors or specialists frequently, when you value knowing your costs will be exactly zero after one deductible, or when you are in poorer health and expect significant medical use. It is also the simpler choice psychologically. Many people find the predictability worth paying for.

When Plan N makes more sense

Plan N saves you real money if you are generally healthy and see a doctor only a few times per year. If you currently use one primary care visit and one specialist visit annually, your copay exposure is $40. If Plan N is $35/month cheaper, you save $420 in premiums and spend $297 total out of pocket (including deductible), versus $257 out of pocket with Plan G but $420 more in premium. The math favors Plan N. Review your typical healthcare usage honestly.

How to make the decision

Pull quotes for both Plan G and Plan N from the same carrier in your zip code. Calculate the annual premium difference. Then estimate your realistic annual doctor visit count and multiply by $20. Add the $257 deductible for Plan N (Plan G just has the deductible). Compare total costs. If Plan N comes out ahead by $100 or more, it is probably the right call. If the difference is small or you expect heavy healthcare use, Plan G gives you peace of mind that is worth the modest extra cost.

Bryce Casson

Licensed Independent Medicare Broker

Bryce Casson is an independent Medicare insurance broker who works with every major carrier. He does not represent any single insurer, which means his recommendations are based on what actually fits each client's situation, not on commissions or quotas.