Plan G vs. Plan N in 2026: Which One Actually Costs Less Over Time?

A Quick Baseline: What Plan G and Plan N Have in Common

Both Plan G and Plan N are Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, which means:

• You keep Original Medicare as your primary coverage
• You can see any doctor nationwide that accepts Medicare
• No networks and no referrals

And just as important:

Medigap plans are standardized.
A Plan G is the same Plan G no matter which insurance company you buy it from. Same with Plan N.

For 2026:

• Part B deductible: $283 for the year
• Standard Part B premium: $202.90 per month

You pay the Part B premium regardless of which plan you choose.

How Plan G Works in 2026

Plan G is the most comprehensive supplement plan available to people new to Medicare.

With Plan G:

• You pay the $283 Part B deductible
• After that, Medicare-approved services are covered 100%

That means:

• No copays
• No coinsurance
• Very predictable costs

This simplicity is a big reason Plan G is so popular.

How Plan N Works in 2026

Plan N is designed to lower your monthly premium, but it introduces some cost-sharing.

With Plan N:

• You still pay the $283 Part B deductible
• You may pay up to $20 for office visits
• You may pay up to $50 for an ER visit (waived if you’re admitted)

Plan N also has one additional consideration:

Part B Excess Charges

With Plan N, you may be responsible for Part B excess charges (up to 15%) if a provider does not accept Medicare assignment.

This is rare, but it is possible. For most people, it never comes up—but it’s still something you should understand before choosing Plan N.

So Which One Costs Less Over Time?

This is where most people get surprised.

Plan N often wins on long-term cost because of rate stability.

In many markets, Plan N tends to have better rate stability than Plan G. The main reason is how people get into these plans over time.

Plan G is commonly used in situations where people may be coming in under special circumstances—meaning the Plan G pool can trend higher-claim over time, which can push rate increases higher.

Plan N, on the other hand, is typically chosen by people who are comfortable with small copays in exchange for lower premiums. Historically, that has often translated into lower overall usage and steadier rate increases in many areas.

That’s why Plan N frequently comes out ahead long-term—especially for healthy people who don’t see the doctor constantly.

When Plan G Usually Makes More Sense

Plan G may be the better fit if:

• You see multiple doctors or specialists regularly
• You want the most predictable costs possible
• You don’t want to deal with copays
• You value simplicity over “optimizing” the lowest long-term premium

You’ll usually pay more each month—but you’re buying predictability.

When Plan N Usually Makes More Sense

Plan N may be the better fit if:

• You’re generally healthy and don’t see doctors constantly
• You want a lower premium and can handle occasional copays
• You’re comfortable with the (rare) possibility of excess charges
• You care more about long-term rate stability

For the right person, Plan N can be the better long-term value.

The Bottom Line

• Plan N often wins on long-term rate stability and premium savings.
• Plan G wins on simplicity and predictability.

Your health, how often you use care, and how long you plan to keep the plan all matter.