When shoppers compare Medigap (Medicare Supplement) options today, two plans show up again and again as the most common choices for people who keep Original Medicare: Plan G and Plan N. Both give strong protection against many of Medicare’s gaps, but they do it in slightly different ways — and that difference can add up to hundreds or thousands of dollars over time depending on your health, risk tolerance, and local pricing. Below I break down exactly what differs in 2026, how much risk you’re taking with each option, and how to decide for your situation.
Quick snapshot: what each plan does and doesn’t cover
- Plan G — Covers almost everything Original Medicare doesn’t, except the Medicare Part B deductible. That means after you pay the Part B deductible, Plan G pays Medicare Part B coinsurance, Part A coinsurance, hospital costs, hospice, skilled nursing, and Part A deductible, and it also covers Medicare Part B excess charges where they apply. Medicare+1
- Plan N — Also covers nearly everything except the Part B deductible and it does not cover Part B excess charges. In exchange for lower monthly premiums, Plan N requires small copays for some office visits (typically up to $20) and up to a $50 copay for emergency room visits that don’t result in an inpatient admission. That means you trade a little point-of-service cost for lower monthly premiums. Medicare+1
(Those two bullets are the core differences you’ll see repeated across insurers and consumer guides.) NerdWallet
What’s changed for 2026 that matters to this choice?
Two market forces that influence your decision in 2026:
- Medicare cost adjustments — Medicare Part B costs (including the Part B deductible) and other program thresholds rose heading into 2026. The Part B deductible is projected to be higher in 2026 (AARP reported an increase to $288 for 2026), which slightly increases the “gap” that Plan G and Plan N won’t cover (both don’t cover the Part B deductible). If the deductible increases, that fixed-dollar exposure (the deductible) becomes a larger share of your first-year out-of-pocket costs. AARP+1
- Carrier premium variability — Insurers continue to price Plan G and Plan N very differently by state, age, and rating method (issue age, attained age, or community rating). In many markets Plan N carries noticeably lower premiums than Plan G for similar applicants, making the “copay + no excess charge coverage” tradeoff appealing for budget-conscious buyers. But because premiums vary, the smart play is always to shop carriers in your ZIP code rather than assume one plan is always cheaper than the other. Medicare+1
Cost comparison: premium vs risk
- Plan N generally = lower monthly premium, slightly higher risk at point of service. You’ll likely pay less each month for Plan N, but you may face up to $20 for office visits and $50 for some ER visits, plus you’re on the hook for any Part B excess charges if a provider charges more than Medicare allows. Over a year or two, those small copays could be lower than the premium difference — or they could be higher if you see providers frequently or encounter high excess charges. UnitedHealthcare+1
- Plan G generally = higher premium, minimal point-of-service costs, more predictable expenses. If you prefer predictable medical costs — especially if you use healthcare frequently or want to travel and see many providers outside a single network — Plan G gives the most consistent protection (again, aside from the Part B deductible you must still pay annually). Medicare+1
Rule of thumb: if the premium difference between Plan G and Plan N in your area is small, Plan G is often worth the extra price for peace of mind. If the premium gap is large, Plan N can be an excellent way to lower ongoing costs while retaining robust protection.
The Part B deductible in 2026 — why it matters here
Both Plan G and Plan N do not pay the Part B deductible. For 2026 that deductible is projected to be $288, up from prior years — meaning the first amount you owe for Part B services in the year will be that higher deductible before your Medigap coverage takes effect for Part B coinsurance items. This is a relatively small fixed cost compared with total annual medical spending, but it’s worth factoring into your first-year calculations. AARP
Guaranteed issue and timing — when you can buy without medical underwriting
The best time to buy Medigap is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. In that window, insurers generally cannot use medical underwriting to deny you coverage or charge higher premiums for preexisting conditions. Outside that window, you may face medical underwriting or be denied, unless you qualify for a guaranteed-issue situation (for example, losing employer coverage in specific ways). Always confirm your guaranteed-issue rights for your situation. Investopedia+1
FAQs
Q: Is Plan G better than Plan N?
A: Neither is strictly “better.” Plan G offers more predictable coverage (includes Part B excess charges) and is often chosen by heavy healthcare users; Plan N lowers monthly premiums but adds small copays and excludes excess charge coverage. The best plan depends on local pricing and your personal risk tolerance. Medicare+1
Q: Do Medigap plans cover prescription drugs?
A: No — Medigap (Plans G and N) do not include Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. You’ll need a separate Part D plan for prescription drugs. Medicare
Q: Can I switch from Plan N to Plan G later?
A: Possibly, but switching after your guaranteed-issue period often requires medical underwriting — insurers can deny or charge higher rates based on health. That’s why many people pick carefully during initial enrollment. Investopedia
Q: How do excess charges work?
A: If a provider doesn’t accept Medicare assignment, they can bill up to 15% over Medicare’s approved amount in many cases (these are “excess charges”). Plan G covers those charges; Plan N does not. If you regularly see providers who don’t accept assignment, Plan G removes that exposure. Healthline