- Plan G is the most popular Medigap choice for newly eligible beneficiaries because Plan F is closed to anyone who became Medicare-eligible on or after January 1, 2020.
- Plan G covers nearly every Original Medicare gap — including the $1,736 Part A deductible in 2026 — and leaves you responsible only for the annual Part B deductible, which is $283 in 2026.
- The main trade-off is a monthly premium (often $120–$250 for a 65-year-old, but varies widely) versus low, predictable out-of-pocket costs and any-Medicare-provider access with no networks or referrals.
- Plan G does not include prescription drugs, dental, vision, or hearing — you buy a separate Part D plan and budget for those extras.
- A High-Deductible Plan G option offers a much lower premium in exchange for a high annual deductible (around $2,800 in 2026), suiting healthy, cost-conscious beneficiaries.
- Enroll during your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period for guaranteed issue; applying later usually means medical underwriting. Verify all current figures with the insurer or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
Plan G has become the most recommended Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy in the country, but no insurance product is perfect for everyone. Examining the Medicare Plan G pros and cons honestly will help you decide whether this coverage fits your healthcare needs and financial situation. With millions of new enrollees choosing Plan G each year — largely because Plan F is now closed to newly eligible beneficiaries — it clearly works for many. The question is whether it works for you.
This article is general educational information, not insurance or financial advice. Premiums and Medicare figures change every year and vary by carrier, ZIP code, and health status. Confirm current numbers with the insurer or your free State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) before you enroll.
Why Plan G Became the Default Choice
Under federal law, Plan F — historically the most comprehensive Medigap plan — is closed to anyone who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. If you were already eligible before that date, you can still buy Plan F, but everyone newly aging into Medicare now looks to the next-most-complete option: Plan G. That is the main reason Plan G tops most independent advisors’ recommendation lists for the newly eligible. The only meaningful difference between Plan F and Plan G is that Plan G does not cover the annual Part B deductible.
The Pros of Medicare Plan G
Near-Complete Coverage
Medicare Supplement Plan G covers almost every out-of-pocket cost associated with Original Medicare. It pays the Part A hospital coinsurance, the Part A deductible ($1,736 in 2026), Part B coinsurance, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, Part B excess charges, the first three pints of blood, and foreign travel emergency care up to plan limits. The only routine cost left to you is the annual Part B deductible of $283 in 2026. Once that deductible is met, you generally owe nothing for Medicare-approved services.
Lower Premiums Than Plan F
Plan G typically costs less per month than Plan F, the only Medigap plan that offers broader coverage. Because Plan F is closed to new enrollees and its aging risk pool tends to drive faster premium increases, Plan G often offers better long-term value. The $283 annual deductible you pay under Plan G is usually far less than the annual premium difference between the two plans, so for most people the math favors Plan G even though it covers slightly less on paper.
Nationwide Provider Access
Because Plan G works alongside Original Medicare, you can see any doctor, specialist, or hospital in the country that accepts Medicare. No referrals are needed, there is no prior authorization for most services, and there are no network restrictions. This freedom is especially valuable if you travel, split time between states, or want access to top medical centers without administrative hurdles.
Stable, Growing Enrollment Pool
Unlike Plan F, which is shrinking as no new members can join, Plan G’s enrollment pool grows every year. A younger, healthier enrollment base helps moderate premium increases over time. Insurance actuaries generally expect more stable long-term pricing for Plan G compared with closed plans — a meaningful advantage over a 20-plus-year retirement, though no one can guarantee future rates.
Standardized Benefits
Plan G from any carrier offers identical, federally standardized benefits. This standardization means you can shop purely on price, insurer reputation, and customer service. There are no hidden benefit differences between a Plan G from a national carrier and one from a regional insurer — a $100 dinner is the same whether you pay $120 or $180 a month for it, so the cheaper reputable carrier usually wins.
The Cons of Medicare Plan G
Monthly Premium Cost
The most cited drawback among the Medicare Plan G pros and cons is the monthly premium. Rates vary widely by age, ZIP code, gender, tobacco use, and carrier, but many 65-year-olds see quotes in the range of roughly $120 to $250 per month. That is more expensive than Plan N and substantially more than a zero-premium Medicare Advantage plan. For retirees on a tight budget, this ongoing expense can be difficult to sustain, especially as premiums tend to increase each year.
No Prescription Drug Coverage
Like all Medigap plans, Plan G does not cover prescription drugs. You must purchase a separate Medicare Part D plan, adding roughly $0 to $100+ per month depending on the plan. This is a recurring frustration for beneficiaries who wish they could consolidate all coverage into a single policy. If drug costs are a major concern, explore Medicare Extra Help for subsidies, and note that Part D out-of-pocket spending is now capped at $2,100 for 2026, with the option to spread that cost across the year through the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan.
No Dental, Vision, or Hearing Benefits
Plan G does not include dental, vision, or hearing coverage. Many Medicare Advantage plans bundle these extras at no additional premium. If you need regular dental care, eyeglasses, or hearing aids, you will need to budget separately for standalone policies or out-of-pocket costs, which can add several hundred to a few thousand dollars per year depending on your needs.
The Part B Deductible
Plan G requires you to pay the $283 annual Part B deductible (2026) before Medigap coverage kicks in for Part B services. While this is a modest, one-time-per-year amount, it is the single out-of-pocket cost that differentiates Plan G from Plan F. For some beneficiaries, the idea of paying any deductible is psychologically uncomfortable, even when the math clearly favors Plan G over the higher-premium Plan F.
Medical Underwriting Outside Open Enrollment
If you miss your initial six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, applying for Plan G requires medical underwriting in most states. Pre-existing conditions can lead to higher premiums, waiting periods, or outright denial. This con is shared by all Medigap plans, but it particularly affects people who delay their decision or try to switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare after developing health issues. A handful of states have more generous switching rules, so check your state’s specifics.
High-Deductible Plan G: A Lower-Premium Alternative
There is a second flavor worth knowing about: High-Deductible Plan G (HDG). It provides the same comprehensive benefits as standard Plan G, but you pay Medicare-covered out-of-pocket costs yourself until you reach a high annual deductible — around $2,800 in 2026 (the exact figure is set by CMS each year, so verify current) — after which the plan pays 100%. In exchange, the monthly premium is dramatically lower than standard Plan G, often a fraction of the cost.
HDG can be a smart fit for healthy beneficiaries who rarely use care and want catastrophic protection at a low premium, or for those who cannot afford a standard Plan G premium but still want Medigap-style security. The trade-off is exposure to that deductible in any year you have a hospitalization or significant care. Compare the total expected cost — premium plus likely out-of-pocket spending — not just the sticker premium.
Who Benefits Most From Plan G
Standard Plan G is ideal for beneficiaries who want predictable healthcare expenses, use medical services regularly, value unrestricted provider choice, and can comfortably afford the monthly premium. It works especially well for people managing chronic conditions that require frequent doctor visits, lab work, and specialist consultations. The absence of copays and coinsurance, beyond the single annual Part B deductible, makes budgeting straightforward.
Retirees who travel extensively within the United States also benefit greatly. There is no need to check whether a provider is “in network” before seeking care. This flexibility extends to foreign travel emergencies, which Plan G covers up to the policy limits.
Who Might Prefer a Different Plan
Healthy beneficiaries who rarely visit the doctor may find Plan N or High-Deductible Plan G a better fit. Plan N’s lower premiums, even accounting for the occasional office-visit copay and possible Part B excess charges, can result in significant savings for low utilizers. People who cannot afford any Medigap premium may explore Medicare Advantage instead, keeping in mind the trade-offs in network access, prior authorization, and out-of-pocket exposure. Our Medigap vs Medicare Advantage guide walks through this comparison in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plan G the best Medigap plan overall?
For most newly eligible enrollees, Plan G offers the best balance of comprehensive coverage and reasonable cost, which is why it is the most popular choice among independent Medicare advisors and has a strong long-term premium outlook thanks to its growing enrollment pool. But “best” depends on your health profile and budget. Plan N or High-Deductible Plan G may be better for healthy, cost-conscious beneficiaries.
How much does Plan G cost per year in total?
Total annual costs include your monthly premium (which varies widely by location, age, and carrier), the $283 Part B deductible in 2026, and a separate Part D premium for drug coverage. Because premiums differ so much, the only reliable number is a personalized quote — compare at least three carriers for the same standardized Plan G and pick the lowest-priced reputable one.
Can I get Plan G if I am under 65?
Federal law does not require insurers to sell Medigap to beneficiaries under 65 who qualify for Medicare due to disability. However, more than 30 states mandate some Medigap access for disabled beneficiaries, often at higher premiums and with limited plan choices. Check your state insurance department or SHIP for availability and pricing.
Does Plan G cover skilled nursing facility care?
Yes. Plan G covers the skilled nursing facility coinsurance for days 21 through 100 of a Medicare-covered stay. Medicare covers the first 20 days at 100%. Without Medigap, you would owe $217 per day for days 21 through 100 in 2026 — which could total more than $17,000 across a full 80-day coinsurance period. Note that Medicare only covers a SNF stay under specific conditions; it does not pay for long-term custodial care.
What is the difference between Plan G and High-Deductible Plan G?
They cover the same benefits, but HDG requires you to meet a high annual deductible (around $2,800 in 2026) before the plan pays, in exchange for a much lower premium. Standard Plan G has a higher premium and only the $283 Part B deductible. HDG shifts risk to years when you actually use care; standard Plan G maximizes predictability.
Weighing Your Decision
The Medicare Plan G pros and cons ultimately come down to a trade-off between higher monthly premiums and lower financial risk. If you value certainty and want to avoid large, unexpected medical bills, standard Plan G delivers that peace of mind. If your priority is minimizing monthly expenses and you are comfortable with some cost-sharing, Plan N, High-Deductible Plan G, or even Medicare Advantage may suit you better. Whatever you choose, enroll during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period for guaranteed-issue access, and compare quotes from at least three carriers. For deeper analysis of all your Medigap options, visit our comprehensive Medigap plans guide and healthcare costs resource.
This article is general education, not insurance or financial advice, and FMHC does not sell Medigap policies. Premiums, deductibles, and Medicare figures change every year and vary by carrier, state, age, and health. The 2026 amounts here (Part B deductible $283, Part A deductible $1,736, SNF coinsurance $217/day) come from Medicare.gov and can be updated. Verify current terms with the insurer or your free State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) before enrolling.
Sources
- Medicare.gov / CMS — 2026 Medicare costs: Part B deductible ($283), Part B standard premium ($202.90), Part A inpatient hospital deductible ($1,736), and skilled nursing facility coinsurance for days 21–100 ($217/day)
- Medicare.gov / CMS — Medigap standardized benefits, Plan G and High-Deductible Plan G, and Plan F being closed to those first eligible on or after January 1, 2020
- Medicare.gov — Medigap Open Enrollment Period, guaranteed-issue and medical underwriting rules, and under-65 Medigap availability by state
- CMS / Medicare.gov — 2026 Medicare Part D out-of-pocket cap ($2,100) and the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (M3P)
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) — free, unbiased Medicare counseling