Medigap Plans Compared: Plan F vs. G vs. N

If you've chosen Original Medicare, you've probably heard that a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan can help cover the costs Medicare doesn't -- deductibles, copays, and coinsurance that add up fast. But with 10 standardized plan letters to choose from, it's easy to get overwhelmed. The three most popular options are Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N. Let's compare them.

What Is Medigap?

• Supplemental insurance sold by private companies to fill "gaps" in Original Medicare
• Covers out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copays, and coinsurance
• Plans are standardized by the federal government -- Plan G from one insurer covers the same things as Plan G from another
• You pay a monthly premium on top of your Part B premium
• Cannot be used with Medicare Advantage plans -- Medigap works only with Original Medicare
• Does not include drug coverage (you'll still need a separate Part D plan)

Plan F Overview

• The most comprehensive Medigap plan -- covers virtually all out-of-pocket costs
• Pays the Part A deductible, Part B deductible, Part B excess charges, and coinsurance
• No longer available to people newly eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020
• If you were eligible for Medicare before 2020, you can still enroll in Plan F
• Typically has the highest monthly premium of the three
• Ideal for those who want zero surprise medical bills

Plan G Overview

• Covers everything Plan F covers except the annual Part B deductible ($257 in 2026)
• The most popular Medigap plan for people newly eligible for Medicare
• Generally has a lower premium than Plan F, often saving more than the Part B deductible difference
• Covers Part B excess charges, foreign travel emergencies, and skilled nursing coinsurance
• Widely considered the best value among Medigap plans
• Available to all Medicare beneficiaries regardless of when they became eligible

Plan N Overview

• Covers most of what Plan G covers but with small cost-sharing
• You pay a copay of up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for ER visits (waived if admitted)
• Does not cover Part B excess charges
• Has the lowest premium of the three plans
• Good option if you're healthy, see doctors infrequently, and want to save on premiums
• The trade-off: slightly less predictable costs in exchange for lower monthly payments

Comparison at a Glance

• Part A deductible: Covered by F, G, and N
• Part B deductible: Covered by F only (G and N do not cover it)
• Part B coinsurance: Covered by all three (N has small copays)
• Part B excess charges: Covered by F and G; not covered by N
• Foreign travel emergency: Covered by F, G, and N
• Monthly premium (typical range): F is highest, G is mid-range, N is lowest

Which One Should You Pick?

• Pick Plan F if you were Medicare-eligible before 2020 and want zero out-of-pocket costs
• Pick Plan G if you want near-complete coverage at a better value than Plan F
• Pick Plan N if you're in good health, rarely visit the doctor, and want the lowest premium
• Compare premiums from multiple insurers -- same coverage, different prices
• Consider your health, how often you see specialists, and your comfort level with small copays
• Enroll during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (first 6 months of Part B) for guaranteed issue

Need Help?

Choosing a Medigap plan is a big decision, and the right answer depends on your health, budget, and how you use healthcare. At Insuras Health Benefits, we compare Medigap quotes from top carriers and help you lock in the best plan at the best price.

Ready to compare? Get a free Medigap quote today -- it takes less than 5 minutes.