Understanding the Key Differences Between Medicare Supplement Plan N and Plan G
- D B
- Apr 24
- 4 min read
Choosing the right Medicare Supplement Insurance plan can feel overwhelming. Two popular options, Plan N and Plan G, offer strong coverage but differ in important ways that affect your out-of-pocket costs and benefits. This post breaks down the key differences between these plans, helping you understand how each works in real life and which might fit your needs best.
What Are Medicare Supplement Plans?
Medicare Supplement Insurance, also called Medigap, helps cover costs that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not fully pay for. These include copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Plans like N and G are standardized, meaning they offer the same basic benefits regardless of the insurer, but they differ in coverage details and costs.
Key Coverage Differences Between Plan N and Plan G
Plan G Covers Almost Everything Except the Part B Deductible
Plan G is often called the most comprehensive Medigap plan available to new Medicare enrollees. It covers:
Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits end
Part B coinsurance or copayments
Blood (first 3 pints)
Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments
Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
Part A deductible
Part B excess charges
Foreign travel emergency care (up to plan limits)
The only cost you pay out of pocket with Plan G is the Medicare Part B deductible, which is $283 in 2026.
Plan N Covers Most Costs but Has Some Copayments and No Coverage for Part B Excess Charges
Plan N covers the same benefits as Plan G except:
It does not cover Part B excess charges (the difference between what a doctor charges and what Medicare approves)
It requires copayments for some Part B services: up to $20 for office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that do not result in inpatient admission
Plan N also covers the Part A deductible, so you won’t pay that out of pocket.
Cost Differences: Premiums and Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Premiums
Plan N generally has lower monthly premiums than Plan G. This is because Plan N requires some cost-sharing through copayments and does not cover Part B excess charges. Depending on your location and insurer, Plan N premiums can be 15% to 30% less than Plan G premiums.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Plan G: You pay the Part B deductible ($226 in 2024) and your monthly premium. After that, most costs are covered.
Plan N: You pay no Part B deductible but may have copayments for doctor visits and emergency room visits, plus your monthly premium. Also, if you see a doctor who charges more than Medicare’s approved amount, you pay the difference (Part B excess charges).
Example Scenario: Doctor Visit Costs
Imagine you visit your doctor for a routine checkup:
With Plan G, you pay nothing beyond your premium and the Part B deductible (already paid at the start of the year).
With Plan N, you pay a copayment of up to $20 for the visit, plus your premium. If the doctor charges more than Medicare allows, you pay the excess charge as well.
Unique Features and Considerations
Part B Excess Charges
Only Plan G covers Part B excess charges. These charges occur when a healthcare provider does not accept Medicare assignment and bills you more than Medicare’s approved amount. While not all doctors charge excess fees, in some areas, this can add up.
Copayments with Plan N
Plan N’s copayments for office and emergency room visits can add up if you see doctors frequently or have multiple ER visits. However, if you rarely visit the doctor, these copays might be a small trade-off for lower premiums.
Foreign Travel Emergency Coverage
Both plans cover emergency care outside the U.S. up to certain limits, which is useful if you travel internationally.
Real-Life Example: Comparing Annual Costs
Let’s say you live in a state where Plan G premiums are $150 per month and Plan N premiums are $110 per month.
Plan G Annual Cost
Monthly Premium: $150
Annual Premium: $150 × 12 = $1,800
Part B Deductible: $283
Total Annual Cost: $2,083
Plan N Annual Cost
(Assuming 5 doctor visits and 1 ER visit)
Monthly Premium: $110
Annual Premium: $110 × 12 = $1,320
Part B Deductible: $283
Copayments:
Doctor visits: 5 × $20 = $100
ER visit: 1 × $50 = $50
Total Copays: $150
Total Annual Cost: $1,753
In this example, Plan N costs less annually, but you pay copays. If you have more visits or face excess charges, costs could rise.
Which Plan Is Right for You?
Choose Plan G if you want predictable costs with minimal out-of-pocket expenses beyond the deductible and premium. It’s a good choice if you visit doctors often or want to avoid unexpected charges.
Choose Plan N if you want lower monthly premiums and are comfortable with small copayments and the risk of excess charges. It may suit healthier individuals with fewer doctor visits.
Tips for Choosing Between Plan N and Plan G
Check if your preferred doctors accept Medicare assignment to avoid excess charges.
Estimate your typical doctor and emergency visits to calculate potential copayments.
Compare premiums from different insurers in your area.
Consider your budget for monthly premiums versus possible out-of-pocket costs.
Understanding the differences between Medicare Supplement Plan N and Plan G helps you make a choice that fits your health needs and budget. Review your healthcare usage and preferences carefully, then compare plans side by side. This approach ensures you get the coverage you need without surprises.
If you want to explore options further, speak with a licensed Medicare advisor who can provide personalized guidance based on your situation.
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