When people shop for a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, the conversation often comes down to two options: Plan G and Plan N. Plan N is the value-minded choice, most of Plan G's protection at a lower premium, with a few small copays in exchange. Here is how it works.
What Plan N Is
Plan N is one of the standardized Medigap plans, which means its benefits are set by law and identical across every insurer that sells it. As with all Medigap plans, you are comparing price and service between companies, not coverage. Plan N pairs with Original Medicare and helps pay the costs Medicare leaves to you.
What Plan N Covers
Plan N covers most of the same gaps as Plan G:
- Part A hospital deductible
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (plus 365 extra days)
- Part B coinsurance (except the small copays noted below)
- Part A hospice coinsurance or copays
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
- First three pints of blood
- Foreign travel emergency care, up to plan limits
What Plan N does not cover: the annual Part B deductible, and Part B excess charges (when a provider charges more than Medicare approves).
The Plan N Copays
The main difference from Plan G is that Plan N asks for small copays in two situations: up to $20 for some doctor office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that do not result in a hospital admission. These are capped, modest amounts, and they are how Plan N keeps its premium lower.
Compare Plan N and Plan G Quotes
The best way to choose is to see real numbers side by side. Answer 6 quick questions and a licensed advisor can compare Plan N and Plan G quotes from multiple carriers where you live, at no cost.
Check My EligibilityWhat Plan N Costs
Because coverage is standardized, Plan N premiums vary by insurer, age, location, and rating method for identical benefits, so comparison shopping matters. Plan N generally carries a lower premium than Plan G, which is its main appeal.
Plan N vs Plan G
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Higher | Lower |
| Office visit copay | None | Up to $20 |
| ER copay (not admitted) | None | Up to $50 |
| Part B excess charges | Covered | Not covered |
| Part B deductible | Not covered | Not covered |
Who Plan N Fits
Plan N is a good fit if you want strong, predictable Medigap coverage but prefer a lower monthly premium and do not mind small copays for occasional visits. Plan G is the better fit if you want zero copays and coverage for excess charges. Neither is universally better, it depends on how you use care and how you value premium versus copays. A licensed advisor can run both quotes for you so the choice is clear.