Medigap Plan G vs Plan N: Which Supplement Wins in 2026

What both plans cover

Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medigap policies for new enrollees in 2026. Both cover Part A coinsurance, hospice, blood, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and the Part B 20 percent coinsurance. Both pay foreign travel emergency at 80 percent up to plan limits.

The differences

Plan G: covers everything except the $257 Part B deductible. You pay the deductible once a year, then nothing else for Medicare-covered services. Plan N: covers most of the same things but charges a $20 copay per office visit and $50 per ER visit (waived if admitted). Plan N also does not cover Part B excess charges (when a provider charges more than Medicare-approved amount, possible only in certain states).

Premium gap

Plan G typically costs $130-$220/month per person depending on state, age, and underwriting. Plan N typically costs $90-$160/month, around 20-30 percent cheaper than Plan G in the same market.

Break-even

If Plan G costs $50/month more than Plan N in your area, that's $600/year of certain spending vs the variable cost of copays. Plan N copays of $20-$50 add up if you visit doctors often. Heavy utilizer (10+ visits per year): Plan G usually wins. Light utilizer (3-4 visits): Plan N usually wins.

Excess charge risk

If you live in a state that allows Part B excess charges (most states do, but Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont prohibit them), Plan N exposes you to up to 15 percent above Medicare-approved amounts. Plan G covers this. In prohibited states the difference is moot.

Verdict

Plan G is the safest choice for snowbirds, frequent travelers, and heavy utilizers. Plan N is the value pick for healthy retirees who see doctors a few times a year and live in a state that bans excess charges.