Why Are Plan G and Plan N So Popular?
Plan G and Plan N are two of the most popular Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans for people turning 65. Both work with Original Medicare and give you access to:
- Any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare
- No networks, no referrals required
They’re popular because they:
- Offer excellent coverage
- Provide predictable costs
- Allow you to travel or live seasonally without coverage issues
- Protect you from large medical bills
But while they’re similar, there are key differences to consider.
Plan G: The Most Comprehensive Option
Plan G is the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement plan available to new enrollees in 2025.
Here’s how it works:
- You pay the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026).
- After that, Plan G covers 100% of Medicare-approved costs—no copayments, no coinsurance.
In short: predictable costs and no surprises.
Plan N: A Budget-Friendly Alternative
Plan N is very similar to Plan G but comes with a few small trade-offs in exchange for a lower monthly premium.
With Plan N, you still pay the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026). In addition:
- Up to $20 copay for office visits
- Up to $50 copay for emergency room visits (waived if admitted)
- Responsibility for Part B excess charges (rare, but possible unless you live in a state where they are banned)
Real-Life Cost Comparison: Plan G vs Plan N
Let’s say you’re 65, in good health, and live in Texas:
- Plan G premium: $165/month
- Plan N premium: $130/month
That’s a savings of $420/year with Plan N.
Now, factor in some doctor visits:
- 6 office visits at $20 each = $120
- 1 emergency room visit at $50 = $50
- Total copays for the year = $170
Even after these copays, you’re still saving around $250/year with Plan N.
Who Should Consider Plan G?
Plan G is ideal if you:
- Want no copayments or surprise bills
- Visit doctors frequently
- Prefer predictable costs
- Don’t mind paying a slightly higher monthly premium for peace of mind
Who Should Consider Plan N?
Plan N is a great choice if you:
- Are healthy and rarely visit the doctor
- Don’t mind small copayments for occasional visits
- Want to save on monthly premiums
- Live in a state where Part B excess charges are banned (like New York, Pennsylvania, or Connecticut)
What About Travel Coverage?
Both Plan G and Plan N include the same foreign travel emergency benefit:
- Up to $50,000 for emergencies
- 80% coverage for eligible expenses
So no matter which plan you choose, you’ll have protection while traveling abroad.
Final Thoughts: Plan G vs Plan N
Both plans provide excellent coverage and nationwide access to doctors. The choice often comes down to:
- Your health
- Your budget
- Your comfort level with occasional copays
If you want comprehensive, predictable coverage with no surprises, Plan G is a solid choice. If you’re healthy and prefer a lower premium, Plan N may save you money.
Need Help Deciding?
We help people every day compare Plan G vs Plan N and find the right fit for their needs. Call us today at 800-208-4974 book a free consultation.
We’ll walk you through your options and help you lock in the best rate for your zip code.
Alex Wender is the founder and CEO of Bluewave Insurance. He has been blogging about Medicare-related topics since 2010. Since then, he and his agency have helped thousands of people across the country choose the right Medicare to fit their needs.