Plan G vs. Plan N
Compare premiums, copays, excess charges, and expected use.
Start with what both letters share
Standard Plans G and N both address Part A hospital coinsurance and deductible, skilled nursing coinsurance, hospice cost sharing, the first three pints of blood and most Part B coinsurance for covered services. Neither pays the Original Medicare Part B annual deductible, which is $283 in 2026. They are both Medigap policies working with Original Medicare, not Advantage plans.
Official source: Medicare: Medigap plan benefits ↗ · Medicare: 2026 costs ↗
Where Plan N asks for more at the visit
Plan N may require a copayment up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for an emergency-room visit without inpatient admission. Plan G does not use those Plan N copays under the standardized chart. Estimate how many relevant visits you actually have and how the premium difference compares with those point-of-care payments.
Official source: Medicare: Medigap plan benefits ↗ · Medicare & You 2027, Medigap section (2026 chart) ↗
Part B excess charges are different
Standard Plan G covers eligible Part B excess charges; Plan N does not. An excess charge can arise when an Original Medicare provider does not accept assignment and legally charges above Medicare’s approved amount. Ask relevant physicians whether they accept assignment, and consider state-specific rules. Do not assume all providers charge excess amounts or that Plan N will pay one.
Official source: Medicare: Medigap plan benefits ↗ · Medicare & You 2027, Medigap section (2026 chart) ↗
Premium and eligibility still decide
Get actual Plan G and Plan N premiums from carriers for one age, ZIP code, effective date and discount status. Medigap rates can change over time; same-letter benefits are standardized, but insurer prices and service differ. Confirm the federal six-month window or other purchase right before cancelling an existing policy. A lower Plan N quote alone does not establish lower annual total cost.
Official source: Medicare: Medigap costs ↗ · Medicare: Buying Medigap ↗
Keep drug costs outside the two-letter comparison
Neither newly sold Plan G nor Plan N includes Part D drug coverage. Price a standalone drug plan using exact medicines and pharmacy if needed. Also consider travel needs and the distinct foreign-travel emergency benefits in the standardized chart. Keep medical cost-sharing, Medigap premium and Part D expenses in separate columns before combining the annual total.
Official source: Medicare: How Medigap works ↗ · Medicare: What drug plans cover ↗ · Medicare: Medigap plan benefits ↗