If you are leaning toward Original Medicare plus a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy, two plans do most of the heavy lifting for people new to Medicare in 2026: Plan G and Plan N. They are similar, but a few differences can change which one is the better value for you.
How Medigap plans work
Medigap plans are standardized by letter, which means a Plan G is the same core coverage from every carrier -- only the premium and service differ. Both Plan G and Plan N sit on top of Original Medicare and pay most of the deductibles, copays, and coinsurance Medicare leaves to you. With either one, you can see any provider in the country that accepts Medicare, with no networks and no referrals.
Plan G at a glance
Plan G covers just about everything Medigap can cover, with one exception: you pay the annual Part B deductible yourself. After that, your covered Medicare costs are essentially paid in full for the year. It also covers Part B excess charges. The trade-off is a higher monthly premium than Plan N.
Best for: people who want the most predictable, near-zero out-of-pocket costs once the small annual deductible is met, and who do not want to think about copays.
Plan N at a glance
Plan N covers the same major costs as Plan G with three differences: a usually lower premium, small copays (up to about $20 for some doctor office visits and up to $50 for emergency-room visits that do not result in admission), and it does not cover Part B excess charges. You still pay the annual Part B deductible.
Best for: people who see the doctor a moderate amount, want a lower monthly premium, and live in a state where Part B excess charges are limited or not allowed.
Compare real Plan G and Plan N premiums near you
Premiums vary a lot by carrier and area. Get the free New-to-Medicare Checklist, or have a licensed advisor pull the actual rates available where you live -- at no cost.
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Plan G vs. Plan N side by side
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Higher | Usually lower |
| Part A deductible | Covered | Covered |
| Part B deductible | You pay | You pay |
| Office-visit copay | None | Up to about $20 |
| ER copay (no admission) | None | Up to about $50 |
| Part B excess charges | Covered | Not covered |
| Provider access | Any provider accepting Medicare | Any provider accepting Medicare |
How to decide
Estimate how often you see doctors, check whether your state limits Part B excess charges, and compare the actual premium difference between Plan G and Plan N from the carriers available to you. If the premium gap is large and you are healthy, Plan N can win on total cost; if you want the simplest, most predictable coverage, Plan G is hard to beat. Still deciding between Medigap and an all-in-one plan? See Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap, and the full turning 65 guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between Plan G and Plan N?
Both are Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans that cover most of what Original Medicare leaves behind. Plan G covers nearly everything except the once-a-year Part B deductible. Plan N is similar but usually has a lower premium in exchange for small copays on some office and emergency-room visits and does not cover Part B excess charges.
What are Part B excess charges?
If a provider does not accept Medicare assignment, they can bill up to 15 percent above the Medicare-approved amount -- an excess charge. Plan G covers these charges; Plan N does not. Excess charges are not allowed in some states, which can make Plan N more attractive there.
Is Plan G or Plan N cheaper?
Plan N usually has a lower monthly premium than Plan G. Whether it costs less overall depends on how often you see doctors, since Plan N has small copays (up to about $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for emergency-room visits that do not lead to admission) and does not cover Part B excess charges.
Which plan is better for me?
If you want the most predictable, near-zero costs when you get care and do not mind a higher premium, Plan G is often the pick. If you are comfortable with small copays to lower your monthly premium and you live where excess charges are limited, Plan N can be a strong value. A licensed agent can compare the actual premiums available where you live.
Is Plan F still available?
Plan F is no longer available to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. If you were eligible before then you may still be able to buy it, but most new enrollees compare Plan G and Plan N instead.