Plan G has become the most popular Medicare Supplement plan in the country since Plan F closed to new enrollees in 2020. According to NAIC data, Plan G now accounts for more new Medigap enrollments than any other plan letter. Understanding Medicare Plan G cost is essential because premiums can vary by more than $150 per month for identical coverage depending on where you live and which company you choose. This guide breaks down what you will actually pay and how to find the best rates.
What Plan G Covers
Before examining costs, it helps to know what you are buying. Plan G covers all the gaps in Original Medicare except the Part B annual deductible, which is $257 in 2026. That means Plan G pays the Part A deductible ($1,676 in 2026), Part A coinsurance for hospital stays beyond 60 days, skilled nursing facility coinsurance after day 20, the Part B coinsurance (the 20 percent you would otherwise owe), Part B excess charges, the first three pints of blood, and 80 percent of foreign travel emergency care.
In practical terms, a Plan G enrollee’s maximum annual out-of-pocket cost for Medicare-covered services is $257. Everything else is covered. This level of predictability is the primary reason beneficiaries choose Plan G, even when the monthly premium is higher than alternatives like Plan N. For a complete overview of how all plans compare, visit our Medicare Supplement plan comparison.
Average Plan G Premiums in 2026
Medicare Plan G cost varies significantly, but national averages provide a useful starting point. For a 65-year-old non-smoking female, monthly premiums typically range from $120 to $200. For a 65-year-old non-smoking male, premiums usually fall between $135 and $230. By age 75, premiums on attained-age-rated plans may reach $180 to $320 per month, depending on the carrier and location.
These ranges reflect data from state insurance department rate filings and the NAIC’s annual Medigap experience reports. The wide spread exists because Medigap premiums are not set by the government. Each private insurer files its own rates with the state, and competition levels vary dramatically by market. In states with many active Medigap carriers, competition tends to push premiums lower. In states with fewer options, premiums tend to be higher.
Factors That Affect Your Premium
Several factors determine your individual Medicare Plan G cost. Age is the most significant variable for plans using attained-age rating, which is the most common pricing method. Your premium increases each year as you get older, in addition to any general rate increases the insurer applies. Gender matters in most states, with men typically paying 5 to 15 percent more than women for the same plan. Tobacco use can add 10 to 25 percent to your premium. Your zip code affects pricing because healthcare costs and claims patterns vary by region.
The pricing method itself matters. Community-rated plans charge the same premium regardless of your age, which means you may pay more at 65 but less at 80 compared to an attained-age plan. Issue-age plans base your rate on the age you were when you purchased the policy. According to CMS.gov guidance, understanding these rating methods is critical for long-term cost projections. A plan that looks cheapest at 65 may become the most expensive by 75.
Plan G Costs by State
Geographic variation in Plan G premiums is substantial. In lower-cost states like Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota, a 65-year-old can often find Plan G for $110 to $150 per month. In higher-cost states like Connecticut, Florida, Massachusetts, and New York, premiums for the same coverage frequently range from $180 to $280 per month. States like Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania typically fall in the middle, with premiums of $140 to $200 per month.
These differences reflect underlying healthcare costs, state regulatory environments, and the number of competing insurers in each market. States with robust Medigap markets and strong consumer protections often offer beneficiaries more choices and more competitive pricing. Your state insurance department maintains a rate comparison tool or guide that lists all available Medigap plans and their premiums. For state-specific details, see our articles on Medicare Supplement plans in Colorado, Kansas, and Delaware.
How Plan G Costs Compare to Other Plans
Plan G is not the cheapest Medigap plan, but it offers the most comprehensive coverage available to new enrollees. Plan N, which requires small copays and does not cover the Part B excess charges, typically costs $30 to $70 less per month than Plan G from the same carrier. Over a year, that savings of $360 to $840 in premiums must be weighed against the $257 Part B deductible and copays you would pay with Plan N.
Plan F, still available to those who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, covers the Part B deductible that Plan G does not. However, Plan F premiums tend to be $30 to $60 higher per month than Plan G because the Plan F risk pool is aging and no new members are entering. Many insurance advisors now recommend Plan G over Plan F for this reason, as Plan G’s risk pool will remain more balanced over time. Our Medicare Supplement plan cost guide provides detailed comparisons across all plan letters.
How to Find the Lowest Plan G Rates
Because Plan G benefits are standardized, the only reason to pay more with one insurer over another is brand preference or customer service quality. The coverage is identical. To find the lowest rates, start by checking your state insurance department’s Medigap rate comparison tool. Medicare.gov also offers a Medigap plan finder that lists available plans and estimated premiums by zip code.
Request quotes from at least five to seven insurers. Look for companies that offer household discounts (typically 5 to 12 percent for married couples living together), non-smoker discounts, and electronic payment discounts. Some insurers also offer discounts for enrolling during your Open Enrollment Period. Major carriers that consistently offer competitive Plan G rates include AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliates, and Aetna, though the cheapest option varies by state.
Annual Rate Increases
Every Medigap plan experiences rate increases over time. These increases reflect rising healthcare costs, changes in the insured population, and inflation. According to NAIC data, average annual Medigap rate increases have historically ranged from 3 to 8 percent per year, though some carriers have implemented larger increases in certain years.
Choosing a financially stable insurer with a history of moderate rate increases is just as important as finding the lowest initial premium. A company that offers a low introductory rate but raises premiums aggressively will cost more in the long run than a slightly more expensive carrier with stable pricing. AM Best financial strength ratings and state insurance department complaint ratios can help you evaluate carrier reliability. Understanding these long-term dynamics is part of making an informed healthcare policy decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plan G worth the cost?
For beneficiaries who want maximum coverage and minimal out-of-pocket risk, Plan G is widely considered the best value among currently available Medigap plans. Your only annual cost beyond the premium is the $257 Part B deductible. For those with significant healthcare needs, this predictability is often worth the higher monthly premium compared to Plan N.
Can I reduce my Plan G premium over time?
You can switch to a different insurer offering a lower rate for Plan G, but you will need to pass medical underwriting outside your initial Open Enrollment Period. Some states offer birthday rules or annual open enrollment windows that allow switching without underwriting. Contact your state insurance department to check your options.
Does Plan G cover prescription drugs?
No. You need a separate Medicare Part D plan for prescription drug coverage. You can pair Plan G with any standalone Part D plan available in your area. Enrolling in Part D when you are first eligible avoids late enrollment penalties that permanently increase your Part D premium.
Why do Plan G costs vary so much between companies?
Each insurer sets its own rates based on its claims experience, administrative costs, profit margins, and competitive strategy. Because the benefits are identical across all carriers, the variation comes entirely from the business side. This is why shopping around is one of the most effective ways to save on Medicare Plan G cost.
Making a Cost-Effective Choice
The Medicare Plan G cost you pay depends on decisions you make at enrollment and periodically throughout your coverage. Start by enrolling during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period to guarantee acceptance at standard rates. Compare quotes from multiple carriers using your state insurance department tools. Choose an insurer with competitive pricing, strong financial ratings, and a track record of moderate rate increases. And revisit your rates every few years to ensure you are still getting a fair deal. Plan G delivers exceptional coverage, and with smart shopping, it can fit comfortably into most retirement budgets. For more details on all Medigap plan options, explore our dedicated resource.