Medicare Supplement Plan G: What It Covers and Costs

Since Plan F closed to people newly eligible for Medicare in 2020, one policy has risen to dominate the Medigap market. Medicare Supplement Plan G now accounts for the largest share of new Medigap sales nationwide, and for good reason. It covers virtually every out-of-pocket cost that Original Medicare leaves behind, with one small exception. If you are approaching 65 or evaluating your current coverage, understanding exactly what Plan G offers and what it costs will help you make a confident decision.

The dollar amounts below reflect 2026 figures published by Medicare, but deductibles and premiums are updated periodically. Treat every number here as a planning estimate and verify the current amounts at Medicare.gov before you enroll.

What Medicare Supplement Plan G Covers

Plan G fills nearly every gap in Original Medicare’s benefit structure. Specifically, it covers Part A hospital coinsurance and 365 additional lifetime reserve days beyond what Medicare provides, the Part A deductible ($1,736 in 2026, verify current), Part B coinsurance (the 20 percent you would otherwise owe on outpatient services), skilled nursing facility coinsurance for days 21 through 100, the first three pints of blood, Part B excess charges (amounts above Medicare’s approved rate), and foreign travel emergency care up to plan limits.

The single gap in Plan G is the annual Part B deductible, set at $283 for 2026 (verify current). Once you pay that deductible, Medicare Supplement Plan G covers 100 percent of remaining Medicare-approved costs for covered services. No copays, no coinsurance, no surprise bills for covered services. Because Medigap plans are standardized, a Plan G from one insurer carries the same core benefits as a Plan G from any other insurer in your state. This near-total coverage is why Plan G is a common recommendation among independent Medicare advisors and insurance brokers.

Plan G Is the Top Choice for Newcomers

An important point for anyone aging into Medicare today: Plan F and Plan C are no longer available to people who became newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, because those plans covered the Part B deductible and the law now prohibits new “first-dollar” coverage of it. That makes Plan G the most comprehensive Medigap plan you can newly enroll in. (If you were already eligible before 2020, you may still be able to buy Plan F, but Plan G is usually the more economical choice — more on that below.)

How Much Plan G Costs

Monthly premiums for Plan G vary based on your age, ZIP code, gender, tobacco use, and the insurer’s pricing model. Nationally, premiums for a 65-year-old non-smoker commonly fall somewhere between about $120 and $250 per month, with lower rates in some rural markets and higher rates in high-cost regions. These ranges are illustrative only — the reliable number is a personalized quote, so get quotes from several carriers before enrolling.

Insurers use three pricing methodologies. Community-rated plans charge the same premium to everyone regardless of age. Issue-age-rated plans set your premium based on the age at which you enroll, with increases tied to inflation rather than aging. Attained-age-rated plans start low but increase as you get older. Over a long retirement, community-rated and issue-age-rated plans often prove more economical despite higher initial premiums.

Beyond the monthly premium, your only routine Plan G expense for covered services is the $283 Part B deductible (2026, verify current). That means your predictable annual healthcare spending under Plan G, excluding premiums, is essentially that one deductible for Medicare-approved services. That predictability contrasts sharply with a Medicare Advantage plan, where in-network out-of-pocket maximums can run into the thousands of dollars per year (the exact federal limit is set annually — verify current figures at Medicare.gov).

High-Deductible Plan G

There is also a High-Deductible Plan G (HD Plan G) option. It provides the same standardized benefits as regular Plan G, but you pay a much lower monthly premium in exchange for meeting a high annual deductible (set by Medicare and adjusted yearly) before the plan begins paying. HD Plan G can suit healthy beneficiaries who rarely use significant care and want catastrophic-style protection at a low premium, but it exposes you to more out-of-pocket cost in a high-utilization year. Confirm the current HD Plan G deductible at Medicare.gov and run the math for both a low-use and a high-use year before choosing it.

Plan G vs. Plan F

The difference between Plan G and Plan F is exactly one benefit: the Part B deductible. Plan F covers it; Plan G does not. That annual difference (the $283 Part B deductible in 2026) translates into meaningfully different premium structures. Plan F premiums are typically higher than Plan G, which often means you pay more per year in premiums than you would ever save on the deductible.

Additionally, Plan F’s enrollment pool is closed to new members, meaning it skews older over time. This demographic pressure can drive faster premium increases. Many analysts expect Plan F premiums to continue outpacing Plan G increases for the foreseeable future, though that is a projection rather than a guarantee. For a comprehensive breakdown, read our Plan F vs Plan G comparison.

Plan G vs. Plan N

Plan N is the primary alternative to Plan G for cost-conscious enrollees. Plan N does not cover the Part B deductible or Part B excess charges, and it introduces copays of up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits that do not result in admission. In exchange, Plan N premiums are typically lower than Plan G — often by roughly $30 to $70 per month, though this varies by market.

The right choice depends on your healthcare usage. If you see specialists frequently or live in an area where doctors commonly charge above Medicare’s approved rate (Part B excess charges), Plan G’s excess-charge coverage and zero copays can justify the higher premium. If you are generally healthy and your providers all accept Medicare assignment, Plan N can save you money in premiums with minimal additional out-of-pocket cost. Get quotes for both before deciding.

Who Should Choose Plan G

Plan G suits beneficiaries who want maximum predictability and minimal out-of-pocket exposure. It is particularly well-suited for people managing chronic conditions that require frequent doctor visits, lab work, or specialist care. It is also ideal for those who travel domestically, since Original Medicare plus Plan G works with any Medicare-accepting provider in any state.

Retirees who value simplicity also gravitate toward Medicare Supplement Plan G. There are no networks to navigate, no referrals required, no prior authorization hurdles for covered services, and no annual benefit changes to the standardized plan. You pay your monthly premium, pay the Part B deductible once per year, and your coverage handles the rest for covered services. This predictability is a meaningful advantage over Medicare Advantage plans, which can change benefits, networks, and cost-sharing each January.

How to Find the Best Plan G Rates

Because Plan G benefits are identical regardless of the insurer, shopping is purely a price-and-service comparison. Start with the plan finder tools at Medicare.gov, which help you see available Medigap plans and carriers in your area. Then consider contacting an independent insurance broker who represents multiple carriers and can show you rates from many companies in a single consultation.

Pay attention to the insurer’s financial strength rating from an agency such as AM Best or Standard & Poor’s; a strong rating signals reserves to pay claims. Also ask about household discounts (offered by many carriers when both spouses enroll), non-tobacco discounts, and annual-payment discounts, which can trim your premium. And ask how the carrier’s rates have historically increased, since a low introductory premium is less valuable if it rises steeply.

Enrollment Timing

The best time to enroll in Plan G is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which runs for six months starting the month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During this one-time window, you have guaranteed-issue rights: no medical underwriting, no health questions, and no premium surcharges for pre-existing conditions. Every carrier must offer you their standard rate.

If you enroll after this window closes, most states allow insurers to require medical underwriting. Conditions like diabetes, COPD, a cancer history, or heart disease could result in higher premiums or a denial. A few states guarantee broader year-round access to Medigap without underwriting, and some have “birthday rule” windows. Check your healthcare policy guide and confirm your state’s current rules at Medicare.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Plan G cover prescription drugs?

No. Like all Medigap plans, Plan G does not include prescription drug coverage. You need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan. If drug costs are a concern, look into Medicare Extra Help, which provides subsidies for Part D premiums and copays.

Can I switch to Plan G from Medicare Advantage?

Yes, but timing matters. You can leave Medicare Advantage during the Annual Enrollment Period or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. Once you return to Original Medicare, you can apply for Plan G, but medical underwriting may apply in most states. One exception is a trial-right situation in your first year on a Medicare Advantage plan, which can let you return to Medigap with guaranteed issue. Confirm your rights at Medicare.gov.

Is Plan G available in all states?

Plan G is available in most states and the District of Columbia. Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin standardize their Medigap policies differently, so the usual lettered designations do not apply there. Residents of those states should consult their state insurance department or Medicare.gov for equivalent options.

How much can I expect Plan G premiums to increase each year?

Annual increases are commonly in the low-to-mid single digits percentage-wise, driven by medical inflation and the insurer’s claims experience, though increases vary by carrier and year. Attained-age-rated plans may see larger increases because your premium also adjusts for aging. Choosing a financially stable insurer with a track record of moderate increases can help keep long-term costs manageable.

What is High-Deductible Plan G?

HD Plan G offers the same standardized benefits as Plan G but with a lower premium and a high annual deductible you must meet before the plan pays. It can be cost-effective for low-utilization years but exposes you to more out-of-pocket cost if you need significant care. Confirm the current deductible amount at Medicare.gov.

The Bottom Line on Plan G

Medicare Supplement Plan G delivers the most comprehensive Medigap coverage available to new enrollees. For the cost of a predictable monthly premium and a single annual Part B deductible, you eliminate virtually all out-of-pocket risk from Original Medicare for covered services. Compare rates from multiple carriers, enroll during your Open Enrollment Period, and pair your Plan G with a Part D drug plan for complete protection. For a broader view of your coverage options, visit our Medigap plans overview and our healthcare costs guide.

Sources

• Medicare.gov — Medicare costs (2026 Part A and Part B deductibles)
• Medicare.gov — Medigap basics (standardized plans; open enrollment; MA/MN/WI)
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) — Medicare program guidance
• National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) — Medicare Supplement consumer guidance