What is the main difference between Medicare Supplement Plan G and Plan N?

The main difference between Plan G and Plan N is that Plan G covers the Part B excess charge (up to 15% above Medicare-approved amounts), while Plan N does not, and Plan N requires a $20 copay for most doctor visits and a $50 copay for emergency room visits.

Which plan is better for out-of-pocket costs: Plan G or Plan N?

Plan G is better for predictable out-of-pocket costs because it covers all Part B excess charges and has no copays, whereas Plan N leaves you responsible for excess charges and small copays, making Plan G the superior choice for frequent doctor visitors.

Is Plan G more expensive than Plan N on a monthly premium basis?

Yes, Plan G typically costs 10% to 20% more per month than Plan N, but the higher premium often offsets the potential copays and excess charges, so your total annual spending can be lower with Plan G if you see a doctor more than a few times a year.

What is the safety risk of choosing Plan N over Plan G for unexpected medical bills?

The safety risk of choosing Plan N over Plan G is that a single hospital-based specialist can bill a 15% Part B excess charge, which has no annual cap, potentially adding hundreds of dollars to a single visit, whereas Plan G eliminates this risk entirely.

Are Plan G and Plan N compatible with Medicare Part A and Part B coverage?

Yes, both Plan G and Plan N are compatible with Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) because they are standardized Medigap plans that work alongside Medicare, but they do not cover Part D prescription drugs, so you must enroll in a separate Part D plan.

What is a common beginner mistake when choosing between Plan G and Plan N?

A common beginner mistake is assuming Plan N's lower premium means lower total costs, but beginners often forget that Plan N's $20 copay per doctor visit and 15% excess charge exposure can exceed Plan G's premium difference if you have chronic conditions or see specialists regularly.

Can you switch from Plan N to Plan G without medical underwriting?

You can switch from Plan N to Plan G without medical underwriting only if you have a guaranteed issue right, such as moving to a new state or losing employer coverage, but otherwise, you must pass medical underwriting, which can deny coverage or raise premiums based on your health.

What is a real-world use case where Plan N is a better financial choice than Plan G?

A real-world use case where Plan N is better is for a healthy 65-year-old who sees a primary care doctor twice a year, has no specialists, and never faces excess charges, because the $40 in annual copays is far less than the $300 to $600 extra yearly premium for Plan G.

How do Plan G and Plan N compare for emergency room visits?

Plan G covers 100% of the Part B coinsurance for emergency room visits with no copay, while Plan N requires a $50 copay per emergency room visit, but both plans cover the Part A hospital deductible and coinsurance, so the difference is only the fixed copay amount.

Does Plan G or Plan N cover the Medicare Part B deductible in 2025?

Neither Plan G nor Plan N covers the Medicare Part B deductible, which is $257 in 2025, because Medigap plans sold to new enrollees after January 1, 2020, are prohibited from covering this deductible, so you must pay it out-of-pocket before either plan pays any benefits.

Difference Between

Difference Between Plan G and Plan N

Written byNex Virox Team

Editorial Team

Reviewed byVarshal Nirbhavane

Senior SEO & Organic Growth Professional · 5+ years

Published: September 8, 202625 min read

Quick answer

The main difference between Plan G and Plan N is that Plan G covers the Part B excess charge, while Plan N does not. Plan G is a comprehensive Medigap policy with the lowest monthly premiums among full-coverage options, while Plan N is a budget-friendly alternative requiring small copays for doctor visits and emergency room trips.

Key takeaways

Core distinction: Plan G covers the Part B excess charge; Plan N does not, leaving that cost to you.
How each works: Plan G has no copays for doctor visits, while Plan N charges a $20 copay for office visits.
Cost comparison: Plan N typically has lower monthly premiums, but Plan G offers more predictable out-of-pocket expenses overall.
Best-fit use case: Choose Plan G if you travel frequently or want maximum coverage; choose Plan N if you rarely see doctors.
Common mistake: Many seniors overlook the $50 Part B excess charge, which Plan G covers but Plan N does not.

Table of Contents18 sections

Difference Between Plan G and Plan N: Comparison Table

Aspect	Plan G	Plan N
Definition	Medigap Plan G covers Medicare Part A and B coinsurance, hospital costs up to 365 extra days, and Part B excess charges.	Medicare Supplement Plan N covers the same core benefits as Plan G but requires copayments for some office visits and emergency room trips.
Purpose	Designed to fill most Original Medicare gaps, leaving only the Part B deductible as the beneficiary's out-of-pocket responsibility.	Aims to lower monthly premiums by shifting small copayment costs to the enrollee for specific doctor and emergency room visits.
Core Mechanism	Pays 100% of Medicare-covered costs after you satisfy the annual Part B deductible, including all excess charges from providers.	Pays 100% of most covered services after deductible, but charges a $20 copay for office visits and a $50 copay for ER visits.
Part B Deductible	You must pay the annual Part B deductible out-of-pocket before Plan G coverage begins for most services.	You must also pay the annual Part B deductible yourself; Plan N does not cover this deductible amount.
Part B Excess Charges	Fully covered by Plan G, meaning you pay nothing when a doctor charges more than Medicare's approved amount.	Not covered by Plan N, so you are responsible for any provider charges that exceed Medicare's approved fee schedule.
Office Visit Copay	No copayment required for any doctor office visit; Plan G pays the full Medicare-approved amount after deductible.	Requires a $20 copayment for each office visit, including specialist visits, which you pay at the time of service.
Emergency Room Copay	No copayment for emergency room visits; Plan G covers the full Medicare Part B coinsurance after the deductible.	Requires a $50 copayment for emergency room visits, which is waived if you are admitted to the hospital.
Monthly Premium	Typically higher monthly premium compared to Plan N, often $30 to $70 more per month depending on location and insurer.	Generally lower monthly premium than Plan G, making it a budget-friendly choice for healthy seniors who rarely visit doctors.
Out-of-Pocket Maximum	No annual out-of-pocket maximum under Plan G; your costs are limited to the Part B deductible plus any premium.	No annual out-of-pocket limit either; your exposure includes the deductible plus copays for office and ER visits.
Coverage for Skilled Nursing	Pays the full Medicare coinsurance for skilled nursing facility care, covering days 21 through 100 completely.	Also pays the full skilled nursing facility coinsurance for days 21 through 100, identical to Plan G coverage.
Hospice Care	Covers the Part A hospice care coinsurance and copayments, including respite care costs, with no additional out-of-pocket charges.	Provides the same hospice care coverage as Plan G, paying for all Medicare-covered hospice coinsurance and copays.
Blood Transfusion	Pays for the first three pints of blood needed for a transfusion each year, covering the Part B blood deductible.	Also covers the first three pints of blood annually, matching Plan G's benefit for blood transfusion costs.
Foreign Travel Emergency	Covers 80% of emergency medical costs abroad, up to a lifetime maximum of $50,000, after a $250 deductible.	Offers identical foreign travel emergency coverage: 80% of costs, $50,000 lifetime limit, and $250 deductible.
Provider Network	Accepted by any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, giving you nationwide freedom without network restrictions.	Also accepted by any Medicare-participating provider, so you have the same nationwide choice of doctors and hospitals.
Guaranteed Issue Rights	Available during Medigap Open Enrollment at age 65, plus guaranteed issue windows for specific life events like losing employer coverage.	Plan N carries the same guaranteed issue rights as Plan G, protecting your ability to enroll without medical underwriting.
Medical Underwriting	Requires health screening and medical history review if you apply after your initial open enrollment period ends.	Also subject to medical underwriting after open enrollment, meaning pre-existing conditions can affect approval or pricing.
Annual Rate Increases	Premiums typically rise annually due to medical inflation and aging, with increases varying by insurer and state regulations.	Premiums also increase each year, but the lower starting base often results in smaller absolute dollar increases over time.
Popularity	Most popular Medigap plan for new enrollees, attracting those who want maximum coverage with predictable out-of-pocket costs.	Second most popular Medigap plan, chosen by cost-conscious seniors who accept small copays for lower monthly premiums.
Availability	Available in 47 of 50 states; not sold in Massachusetts, Minnesota, or Wisconsin which have standardized alternative plans.	Also unavailable in Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, where state-specific Medigap policies replace standardized plans.
Enrollment Timing	Best to enroll during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period starting when you turn 65 and have Part B.	Same optimal enrollment window applies; enrolling during open enrollment guarantees coverage regardless of health status.
Switching Flexibility	You can switch from Plan G to Plan N anytime, but insurers may require medical underwriting unless you have guaranteed issue rights.	Switching from Plan N to Plan G also triggers underwriting, potentially making the switch difficult or expensive with health issues.
Part A Deductible	Covers the full Medicare Part A hospital deductible, which is $1,632 per benefit period in 2024, with no cost to you.	Also covers the complete Part A hospital deductible, providing identical protection for inpatient hospital stays.
Part A Coinsurance	Pays 100% of hospital coinsurance for days 61 through 90 and lifetime reserve days, plus 365 extra lifetime days.	Provides the exact same Part A coinsurance coverage as Plan G, including all lifetime reserve days and extra hospital days.
Preventive Care	Covers the 20% Part B coinsurance for preventive services like annual wellness visits and recommended screenings.	Also covers the 20% coinsurance for preventive care, ensuring no out-of-pocket costs for covered preventive services.
Prescription Drugs	Does not include prescription drug coverage; you must enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan for medications.	Also excludes prescription drug benefits, requiring a standalone Part D plan to cover your medication needs.
Dental Coverage	Provides no coverage for routine dental care, cleanings, fillings, or dentures; these services require separate insurance.	Offers no dental benefits either, meaning you pay 100% of routine dental costs unless you purchase additional coverage.
Vision Coverage	Does not cover routine eye exams, glasses, or contact lenses; vision care is excluded from all Medigap plans.	Excludes vision benefits just like Plan G, so routine eye care requires separate vision insurance or out-of-pocket payment.
Hearing Coverage	No coverage for hearing exams or hearing aids; these costs are entirely your responsibility under Plan G.	Also provides zero hearing benefits, requiring supplemental coverage or self-payment for audiology services and devices.
Travel Outside US	Provides coverage for urgent care during the first 60 days of international trips, with a $250 deductible per trip.	Offers the same foreign travel urgent care benefit: 80% coverage, $250 deductible, and 60-day trip limit.
Best For	Ideal for frequent healthcare users who want predictable costs and don't mind paying higher premiums for full coverage.	Best for generally healthy individuals who visit doctors occasionally and prefer saving money on monthly premiums.

What Is Plan G?

Medicare Supplement Plan G is a standardized Medigap policy that covers 20% of Part B coinsurance, excess charges, and the Part A deductible. It exists to fill the out-of-pocket gaps left by Original Medicare, offering predictable healthcare costs.

Definition of Plan G

Plan G is a private insurance supplement that pays for Medicare Part A and Part B cost-sharing, excluding the Part B deductible. It provides near-comprehensive coverage, including foreign travel emergency care, after you meet your annual Part B deductible of $240 in 2024.

Key Characteristics of Plan G

Characteristic	What It Means in Practice
Part B Deductible	You pay the first $240 annually; Plan G covers all remaining Part B costs.
Part A Deductible	Plan G pays your full $1,632 hospital deductible per benefit period.
Part B Excess Charges	Plan G covers the 15% extra fee some doctors charge above Medicare-approved amounts.
Foreign Travel Coverage	You get 80% coverage for emergency care abroad, up to a $50,000 lifetime limit.
Skilled Nursing Facility	Plan G pays the full 20% coinsurance for Medicare-covered skilled nursing stays.
Blood Transfusions	Plan G covers the first three pints of blood you might need each year.
Hospice Care	Plan G covers Part A hospice coinsurance and copayments, plus respite care costs.
Part B Copayments	Plan G pays all copayments and coinsurance for doctor visits and outpatient services.
No Network Restrictions	You can visit any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare nationwide.
Guaranteed Renewability	Your policy cannot be canceled as long as you pay premiums, regardless of health changes.

Common Examples of Plan G

Annual Physical – Medicare covers your yearly wellness visit, and Plan G pays the 20% Part B coinsurance.
Hip Replacement Surgery – Plan G covers the $1,632 Part A deductible and 20% of Part B surgical costs.
Emergency Room Visit – Plan G pays the $240 Part B copayment after you meet the annual deductible.
Outpatient MRI Scan – Plan G covers the 20% coinsurance, which can save you hundreds of dollars.
Doctor's Office Visit – Plan G pays the standard 20% Part B coinsurance for every covered appointment.
Cancer Treatment Infusion – Plan G covers the 20% Part B coinsurance for chemotherapy and infusion services.
Overseas Emergency Care – Plan G reimburses 80% of emergency medical costs during foreign travel.
Skilled Nursing Rehab Stay – Plan G covers the daily coinsurance for up to 100 days of Medicare-covered rehab.
Durable Medical Equipment – Plan G pays 20% of costs for wheelchairs, walkers, and hospital beds.
Part B Excess Charge – Plan G covers the 15% surcharge when a doctor doesn't accept Medicare assignment.

Advantages and Limitations of Plan G

Advantages	Limitations
Comprehensive coverage includes Part B excess charges, unlike Plan N.	You must pay the $240 Part B deductible yourself before coverage starts.
No copayments for doctor visits, unlike Plan N which charges up to $20 per visit.	Monthly premiums are typically higher than Plan N due to broader coverage.
Predictable out-of-pocket costs after the deductible is met.	Plan G is not available to new Medicare enrollees after January 1, 2020.
Freedom to see any Medicare-accepting provider without referrals.	Premiums can increase annually due to medical inflation and age rating.
Foreign travel emergency coverage provides peace of mind for travelers.	Does not cover prescription drugs, vision, dental, or hearing services.
Guaranteed renewable regardless of health status changes.	You must have Medicare Part A and Part B to qualify for Plan G.
Covers the full Part A deductible, saving you $1,632 per hospital stay.	No out-of-pocket maximum, so catastrophic costs are still possible.
No network restrictions mean you can switch doctors anytime.	Medicare doesn't cover acupuncture, routine foot care, or cosmetic surgery.
Simple claim process – Medicare pays first, then Plan G pays second.	You still pay monthly Part B premiums ($174.70 in 2024) separately.
Ideal for frequent travelers and those needing specialist care.	Plan G premiums vary widely by state, age, and insurance company.

What Is Plan N?

Plan N is a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance plan that helps cover out-of-pocket costs left by Original Medicare. It pays for coinsurance, hospital costs, and hospice care. Plan N exists to provide predictable, lower-premium coverage while requiring you to pay small copays for certain doctor visits.

Definition of Plan N

Plan N is a standardized Medigap policy that covers Medicare Part A and B coinsurance, plus 100% of Part B excess charges, but it excludes the Part B deductible. Unlike Plan G, Plan N requires you to pay a $20 copay for office visits and a $50 copay for emergency room visits that do not result in admission.

Key Characteristics of Plan N

Characteristic	What It Means in Practice
Lower monthly premium	Plan N typically costs 10-20% less than Plan G because you share small copays, making it a budget-friendly choice for healthy seniors.
Office visit copay	You pay $20 per doctor visit, which applies to primary care and specialist appointments, but not to annual wellness exams.
ER copay	A $50 copay applies to emergency room visits only if you are not admitted to the hospital; admission waives the fee.
Part B excess charges	Plan N covers 100% of excess charges, meaning you never pay extra when a doctor bills above Medicare's approved amount.
No Part B deductible	You must pay the $240 annual Part B deductible (2024) out of pocket before Plan N benefits start covering services.
Foreign travel coverage	Plan N provides up to 80% of emergency care costs abroad, with a $250 lifetime deductible and a $50,000 lifetime maximum.
No out-of-network penalties	Plan N works with any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, giving you nationwide flexibility without referral requirements.
Standardized benefits	Every insurance company offers identical Plan N benefits, so you compare only on price, not coverage differences.
No prescription drug coverage	Plan N excludes Part D medications, so you must enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan to avoid late enrollment penalties.
Guaranteed-issue rights	During Medigap Open Enrollment (starting at age 65), you cannot be denied coverage or charged more due to health conditions.

Common Examples of Plan N

Routine checkup - A $20 copay applies to a standard annual physical, but Medicare's preventive visit is fully covered without a fee.
Specialist consultation - Seeing a cardiologist or dermatologist triggers the $20 copay, which is a predictable cost you can budget for monthly.
Emergency room visit - A $50 copay applies if you go to the ER with chest pain but are not admitted, saving you hundreds versus Plan F.
Hospital admission - If the ER leads to inpatient care, the $50 copay is waived, and Plan N covers your full Part A deductible.
Outpatient surgery - Ambulatory surgery centers do not charge the copay, so you pay nothing beyond your monthly premium.
Lab work and X-rays - Diagnostic tests performed in a lab or imaging center are fully covered with no copay under Plan N.
Foreign travel emergency - A broken leg in Europe triggers 80% coverage after a $250 deductible, with a $50,000 lifetime cap.
Part B excess charge - A doctor who bills 15% above Medicare's rate is fully covered, unlike Plan K or L which leave you exposed.
Hospice care - Terminal illness care is covered at 100%, including respite care and drugs for pain relief, with no copay.
Skilled nursing facility - After a 3-day hospital stay, Plan N covers the full coinsurance for days 21-100, saving you up to $204 per day.

Advantages and Limitations of Plan N

Advantages	Limitations
Premiums are consistently 10-20% lower than Plan G, making it the most affordable comprehensive Medigap option for most seniors.	You must pay a $20 copay for every doctor visit, which adds up quickly if you have chronic conditions requiring frequent appointments.
Coverage is standardized across all insurers, so you can switch companies annually without losing benefits or facing medical underwriting.	The $50 ER copay applies even for minor emergencies, and you cannot avoid it if you are not admitted to the hospital.
No referral requirements mean you can see any Medicare-accepting specialist nationwide, giving you freedom to travel or relocate.	You must pay the $240 Part B deductible each year, which is a fixed out-of-pocket cost that Plan G also requires.
Foreign travel coverage is included at no extra premium, protecting you against catastrophic medical bills while abroad.	Plan N does not cover prescription drugs, so you must purchase a separate Part D plan, adding $10-50 per month to total costs.
No excess charge risk exists because Plan N covers 100% of Part B excess charges, unlike Plan K or L which leave you liable.	If you visit the doctor more than 4 times per month, the copays can exceed the premium savings versus Plan G, making it less cost-effective.
Guaranteed-issue rights at age 65 mean you cannot be denied coverage for pre-existing conditions like diabetes or heart disease.	Plan N is not available to new Medicare beneficiaries who turned 65 after January 1, 2020, unless they qualify for an exception.
No out-of-pocket maximum exists, but the copays are capped at $20 and $50, making your worst-case annual exposure predictable.	You cannot combine Plan N with a Medicare Advantage plan, so you must choose between Medigap or MA, not both.
Premium stability is higher than Medicare Advantage, which can change copays and networks annually without your consent.	Plan N does not cover hearing aids, dental care, or vision exams, which are excluded from all Medigap policies by law.
You retain Original Medicare's flexibility, meaning no prior authorization for specialist visits or hospital stays, unlike HMO plans.	If you delay enrolling in Part D, you face a late penalty of 1% of the national base premium per month, which is permanent.
Plan N is ideal for healthy seniors who rarely visit doctors, as the low premium outweighs the occasional $20 copay.	You must pay the copay upfront at the time of service, which can be inconvenient for those on fixed monthly budgets.

Similarities Between Plan G and Plan N

Shared Aspect	How Plan G and Plan N Are Alike
Medicare Coverage	Both Plan G and Plan N cover the same core Medicare Part A and Part B coinsurance, hospital costs, and hospice care.
Part A Deductible	Plan G and Plan N both pay 100% of the Medicare Part A inpatient hospital deductible in full.
Part B Excess	Plan G and Plan N both cover the full Medicare Part B excess charges, protecting you from unexpected provider surcharges.
Skilled Nursing	Both Plan G and Plan N cover the skilled nursing facility coinsurance after Medicare’s 100-day benefit period begins.
Foreign Travel	Plan G and Plan N both provide emergency healthcare coverage for urgent care received while traveling outside the United States.
Blood Coverage	Plan G and Plan N both cover the first three pints of blood needed for a transfusion under Medicare Part B.
No Out-of-Pocket Max	Neither Plan G nor Plan N includes a catastrophic out-of-pocket spending limit, unlike Medicare Advantage plans.
Guaranteed Issue	Both Plan G and Plan N offer guaranteed-issue rights during Medigap Open Enrollment, preventing medical underwriting denials.
Standardized Benefits	Plan G and Plan N benefits are identical across all insurance carriers because the federal government standardizes Medigap plans.
No Prescription Drugs	Plan G and Plan N both exclude prescription drug coverage, requiring a separate Medicare Part D policy for medications.
No Dental or Vision	Neither Plan G nor Plan N covers routine dental cleanings, eye exams, or hearing aids, as these are excluded from Medigap.
Portable Coverage	Plan G and Plan N remain valid if you move to another state, as long as you keep paying premiums to the same insurer.
No Network Limits	Plan G and Plan N allow you to visit any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare, with no provider network restrictions.
Medicare Approval	Both Plan G and Plan N require you to have Medicare Part A and Part B active and enrolled before you can purchase either plan.
No Referrals Needed	Plan G and Plan N do not require referrals to see specialists, giving you direct access to any Medicare-approved physician.
Premium Variation	Plan G and Plan N premiums vary by insurer, location, age, gender, and tobacco use, with no single national price.
Annual Rate Increases	Both Plan G and Plan N premiums typically rise each year due to inflation, medical cost trends, and insurer pricing pools.
No Annual Enrollment	Plan G and Plan N do not have an annual open enrollment period, so you can switch carriers anytime subject to underwriting.
No Deductible for Part B	Neither Plan G nor Plan N covers the Medicare Part B annual deductible, which you must pay out-of-pocket each year.
Part B Coinsurance	Both Plan G and Plan N cover the 20% Medicare Part B coinsurance for doctor visits, outpatient therapy, and durable equipment.
No Preventive Limits	Plan G and Plan N both cover Medicare’s full annual wellness visit and all covered preventive screenings at no extra charge.
No MSA or HSA	Plan G and Plan N are not compatible with Health Savings Accounts, unlike high-deductible Medicare Advantage plans.
Carrier Choice	Plan G and Plan N are sold by private insurance companies like Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
No Drug Coverage	Plan G and Plan N do not include Medicare Part D, so you must enroll separately to avoid late enrollment penalties.
No Extra Benefits	Neither Plan G nor Plan N includes gym memberships, telehealth, or over-the-counter allowances, unlike Medicare Advantage.
Underwriting Rules	Plan G and Plan N both require medical underwriting if you apply after your Medigap Open Enrollment window closes.
No Copays for Part A	Plan G and Plan N both cover the full Part A hospital coinsurance for days 61–90 and the lifetime reserve days.
No Lifetime Limit	Plan G and Plan N both have no lifetime maximum benefit, covering eligible Medicare costs indefinitely.
No Claim Filing	Plan G and Plan N both use automatic claim processing, where Medicare sends your claim directly to the Medigap insurer.
Long-Term Care Exclusion	Plan G and Plan N both exclude custodial care in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, covering only skilled care.
Same Eligibility Age	Plan G and Plan N are both available to anyone age 65 or older who is enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.

Plan G or Plan N: Which Should You Choose?

The deciding variable is your tolerance for unpredictable out-of-pocket costs versus predictable monthly premiums. Choose Plan G if you prioritize maximum coverage and fixed annual costs. Choose Plan N if you want lower premiums and can absorb small copays at doctor visits and emergency rooms.

When to Use Plan G

Choose Plan G when you visit doctors frequently or have chronic conditions requiring regular specialist care. It covers the Part B excess charge, which can add 15% to Medicare-approved amounts. The higher monthly premium buys complete financial predictability, making it ideal for those with limited savings buffers or who strongly dislike surprise medical bills.

When to Use Plan N

Choose Plan N when you are generally healthy and rarely need medical care beyond annual checkups. You pay a $20 copay for most doctor visits and a $50 copay for emergency room visits that don't lead to admission. The lower premium typically saves $20–$40 monthly compared to Plan G, making it cost-effective for budget-conscious seniors who accept manageable copays.

Common Misconceptions About Plan G and Plan N

Common Myth	The Reality
Plan G and Plan N are identical because both cover Medicare gaps.	Plan G covers the Part B excess charge, but Plan N does not; Plan N also requires copays for some office visits.
Plan N always costs less than Plan G, so it is the better bargain.	Plan N has lower premiums but adds a $20 copay for doctor visits and a $50 copay for emergency room visits.
You can switch from Plan N to Plan G anytime without penalty.	Switching outside your Medigap open enrollment period usually requires medical underwriting, which can lead to denial or higher rates.
Both Plan G and Plan N cover your Medicare Part B deductible fully.	Neither Plan G nor Plan N covers the Part B deductible; you must pay the $240 annual deductible yourself in 2025.
Plan G covers all your out-of-pocket costs with no exceptions.	Plan G does not cover the Part B deductible, and it excludes foreign travel emergency care beyond the first $250 per trip.
Plan N requires you to use a specific network of doctors or hospitals.	Plan N is a Medigap plan, so you can see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare; no network restrictions apply.
Plan G is always more expensive than Plan N for every single beneficiary.	Premiums vary by insurer, state, age, gender, and tobacco use; some Plan G policies cost less than certain Plan N policies.
Plan N covers the Medicare Part B excess charge, just like Plan G does.	Plan N does not cover excess charges; you pay the full 15% excess charge if a doctor bills above Medicare’s approved amount.
You can use Plan G and Plan N together to get double coverage.	Federal law prohibits owning more than one Medigap policy; you must choose either Plan G or Plan N, not both.
Plan G and Plan N both cover your Medicare Part A hospital deductible fully.	Both plans cover the full Part A hospital deductible, which is $1,676 per benefit period in 2025.
Plan N is a good choice if you visit the doctor frequently for chronic conditions.	Frequent doctor visits under Plan N trigger the $20 copay each time, which can make Plan G more cost-effective for heavy users.
Plan G is only for seniors over 65, while Plan N is for younger people.	Both Medigap plans are available to anyone enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, regardless of age, if eligible.
Plan G and Plan N have identical premiums across all insurance companies.	Insurers set their own premiums; the same plan letter can vary by hundreds of dollars per year depending on the carrier.
Plan N covers the Part B deductible if you choose a higher premium option.	No Medigap plan sold to new beneficiaries covers the Part B deductible; it is prohibited by federal law since 2020.
Plan G is the best plan for everyone because it has the most comprehensive coverage.	Plan G offers broader coverage, but Plan N’s lower premium plus copays may save money for healthy individuals who rarely see doctors.
You can buy Plan G or Plan N without having Medicare Part A and Part B.	You must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B before you can purchase any Medigap policy, including Plan G or N.
Plan G and Plan N both cover your Medicare Part B coinsurance for lab tests completely.	Both plans cover Part B coinsurance for lab tests, but Plan N adds a $20 copay only for office visits, not for lab-only visits.
Plan N is a Medicare Advantage plan, not a supplement.	Plan N is a standardized Medigap supplement plan, not a Medicare Advantage plan; it works alongside Original Medicare, not instead of it.
Plan G covers the $20 copay for doctor visits that Plan N charges.	Plan G does not charge copays for doctor visits; it covers the Part B coinsurance fully, so you pay nothing after the deductible.
Plan N is cheaper than Plan G because it offers less coverage for hospital stays.	Plan N and Plan G both cover the full Part A hospital coinsurance and 365 extra days; the coverage difference is only in Part B costs.
You can buy Plan G or Plan N at any time, even before you turn 65.	You must be 65 or older (or qualify due to disability) and enrolled in Medicare; buying before eligibility is not allowed.
Plan G and Plan N both cover your Medicare Part B deductible for 2025.	You pay the $240 Part B deductible out of pocket; neither Plan G nor Plan N reimburses you for this amount.
Plan N requires you to pay a copay for every emergency room visit, even if not admitted.	Plan N charges a $50 copay for emergency room visits, but the copay is waived if you are admitted to the hospital.
Plan G is more expensive than Plan N because it covers prescription drugs.	Neither Plan G nor Plan N covers prescription drugs; you need a separate Medicare Part D plan for medication coverage.
Plan N is the same as Plan G but with a lower monthly premium for identical benefits.	Plan N shifts costs to you via copays and excess charges, so the lower premium is offset by higher out-of-pocket costs when you use care.
You can switch from Plan G to Plan N without any health questions if you move states.	Moving states triggers guaranteed issue rights only if you move out of your plan’s service area; otherwise, underwriting applies.
Plan G and Plan N both cover the 20% Part B coinsurance for outpatient surgery fully.	Both plans cover the Part B coinsurance for outpatient surgery, but Plan N may charge the $20 copay if the surgery includes an office visit.
Plan N is a newer plan, while Plan G is an older, outdated option.	Both plans were standardized in 1990; Plan N is not newer, and Plan G remains one of the most popular Medigap plans today.
Plan G covers the Part B excess charge, but Plan N covers it if you see a participating doctor.	Plan N never covers excess charges, even with participating doctors; only Plan G and Plan F cover the 15% excess charge.
Plan G and Plan N both have the same out-of-pocket maximum for the year.	Medigap plans do not have an out-of-pocket maximum; your costs are uncapped, so copays and excess charges can add up indefinitely.

Conclusion

Difference Between Plan G and Plan N comes down to out-of-pocket costs. Plan G covers all Medicare Part B excess charges, while Plan N requires copays for doctor visits and emergency room trips. Choose Plan G for predictable, maximum coverage. Choose Plan N to save on monthly premiums.

FAQs on Difference Between Plan G and Plan N

What is the main difference between Medicare Supplement Plan G and Plan N?: The main difference between Plan G and Plan N is that Plan G covers the Part B excess charge (up to 15% above Medicare-approved amounts), while Plan N does not, and Plan N requires a $20 copay for most doctor visits and a $50 copay for emergency room visits.
Which plan is better for out-of-pocket costs: Plan G or Plan N?: Plan G is better for predictable out-of-pocket costs because it covers all Part B excess charges and has no copays, whereas Plan N leaves you responsible for excess charges and small copays, making Plan G the superior choice for frequent doctor visitors.
Is Plan G more expensive than Plan N on a monthly premium basis?: Yes, Plan G typically costs 10% to 20% more per month than Plan N, but the higher premium often offsets the potential copays and excess charges, so your total annual spending can be lower with Plan G if you see a doctor more than a few times a year.
What is the safety risk of choosing Plan N over Plan G for unexpected medical bills?: The safety risk of choosing Plan N over Plan G is that a single hospital-based specialist can bill a 15% Part B excess charge, which has no annual cap, potentially adding hundreds of dollars to a single visit, whereas Plan G eliminates this risk entirely.
Are Plan G and Plan N compatible with Medicare Part A and Part B coverage?: Yes, both Plan G and Plan N are compatible with Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) because they are standardized Medigap plans that work alongside Medicare, but they do not cover Part D prescription drugs, so you must enroll in a separate Part D plan.
What is a common beginner mistake when choosing between Plan G and Plan N?: A common beginner mistake is assuming Plan N's lower premium means lower total costs, but beginners often forget that Plan N's $20 copay per doctor visit and 15% excess charge exposure can exceed Plan G's premium difference if you have chronic conditions or see specialists regularly.
Can you switch from Plan N to Plan G without medical underwriting?: You can switch from Plan N to Plan G without medical underwriting only if you have a guaranteed issue right, such as moving to a new state or losing employer coverage, but otherwise, you must pass medical underwriting, which can deny coverage or raise premiums based on your health.
What is a real-world use case where Plan N is a better financial choice than Plan G?: A real-world use case where Plan N is better is for a healthy 65-year-old who sees a primary care doctor twice a year, has no specialists, and never faces excess charges, because the $40 in annual copays is far less than the $300 to $600 extra yearly premium for Plan G.
How do Plan G and Plan N compare for emergency room visits?: Plan G covers 100% of the Part B coinsurance for emergency room visits with no copay, while Plan N requires a $50 copay per emergency room visit, but both plans cover the Part A hospital deductible and coinsurance, so the difference is only the fixed copay amount.
Does Plan G or Plan N cover the Medicare Part B deductible in 2025?: Neither Plan G nor Plan N covers the Medicare Part B deductible, which is $257 in 2025, because Medigap plans sold to new enrollees after January 1, 2020, are prohibited from covering this deductible, so you must pay it out-of-pocket before either plan pays any benefits.