Medicare Plan G vs. N (2025 Full Comparison): Which One is Right for You?

Understanding Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap)

Before we compare Plan G and Plan N, let’s quickly go over how Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans work:

• No Networks: You can visit any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare.
• Standardized Benefits: No matter which insurance company you choose, the benefits of a given plan remain the same.
• No Referrals Needed: You can see specialists without needing approval.
• Separate Drug Coverage: Medigap plans don’t include drug coverage—you’ll need a separate Part D plan for prescriptions.
• Foreign Travel Coverage: Both Plan G and Plan N offer up to $50,000 in emergency coverage for the first 60 days of travel outside the U.S.

Now, let’s take a closer look at Medicare Plan G vs. Plan N in 2025.

Medicare Plan G: The Most Comprehensive Option in 2025

Plan G is the most popular Medicare Supplement plan for new enrollees in 2025 because it offers the most comprehensive coverage available. Here’s what you get:

• 100% coverage for Medicare-approved expenses after the Part B deductible
• No copays for doctor visits or hospital stays
• No excess charges

The only out-of-pocket cost you’ll have with Plan G is the Medicare Part B deductible, which is $257 in 2025. Once you pay that, you won’t have to worry about any other costs for covered services for the rest of the year.

Example:

• You visit the doctor in January and need an MRI and blood work.
• You pay the $257 deductible.
• After that, all Medicare-approved services are fully covered for the rest of the year.

If you want predictable healthcare costs with minimal out-of-pocket expenses, Plan G is the best choice.

Medicare Plan N: A Lower-Premium Alternative

Plan N is very similar to Plan G, but with a few key differences:

• Lower monthly premiums (typically $300–$500 less per year than Plan G)
• Same hospital coverage as Plan G
• Copays for doctor and ER visits
• Does not cover excess charges

What are the additional costs with Plan N?

• Office Visit Copay: You pay $0–$20 per office visit (amount varies based on service).
• Emergency Room Copay: You pay $50 per ER visit, unless admitted to the hospital.
• Excess Charges: Some doctors may charge up to 15% more than the Medicare-approved amount, and Plan N does not cover this.

Example:

• You see a specialist and get charged a $20 copay.
• You visit the ER for stomach pain and pay $50, but if you’re admitted, the copay is waived.
• If your doctor doesn’t accept Medicare Assignment, they may charge an excess fee (up to 15%), which you’d be responsible for.

If you don’t mind occasional copays and are willing to check if your doctor accepts Medicare Assignment, Plan N can be a cost-effective choice.

Plan G vs. Plan N: Premium Costs & Rate Increases

One of the biggest deciding factors is the cost difference between Plan G and Plan N.

• Plan G typically costs about $300–$500 more per year than Plan N.
• Plan N has historically had lower rate increases than Plan G because fewer high-risk individuals enroll in Plan N.

Why does this matter? Plan G is a “Guaranteed Issue” plan for those losing other coverage, meaning people with health issues can enroll without medical underwriting. This leads to higher claims and potentially higher rate increases.

Plan N requires medical underwriting in most cases, which means fewer unhealthy individuals enroll, resulting in slower premium increases over time.

Which Plan Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick way to decide between Plan G and Plan N:

Feature	Medicare Plan G	Medicare Plan N
Monthly Premium	Higher	Lower
Part B Deductible	$257	$257
Office Visit Copay	$0	$0–$20
ER Visit Copay	$0	$50 (waived if admitted)
Excess Charges	Covered	Not Covered
Rate Increases	Higher	Lower

Choose Plan G if:

• You don’t want to worry about excess charges.
• You see doctors frequently and don’t want copays.
• You prefer predictable, all-inclusive coverage.

Choose Plan N if:

• You want a lower premium and don’t mind small copays.
• You rarely visit the doctor.
• Your doctors accept Medicare Assignment (to avoid excess charges).

Final Thoughts

Both Medicare Plan G and Plan N offer great coverage, but the right choice depends on your healthcare needs and budget.

• If you want full coverage and simplicity, go with Plan G.
• If you prefer lower premiums and are okay with minor copays, Plan N can save you money.

Need help choosing the right plan? Call us today at 800-208-4974 for free quotes and expert guidance!

For more expert Medicare insights and updates, be sure to check out our blog regularly. Thanks for reading!