Among the most common questions new Medicare beneficiaries ask is what is the best Medicare Supplement plan for their situation. The answer depends on your health, budget, and tolerance for out-of-pocket costs, but one plan letter consistently emerges as the top choice for the majority of enrollees. In this guide, we break down why Plan G leads the market, when Plan N or other options might serve you better, and how to evaluate plans based on your individual needs rather than generic advice.
Why Plan G Is the Default Recommendation
Plan G is the most popular Medigap plan among new enrollees for good reason. It covers virtually every gap in Original Medicare except the annual Part B deductible ($257 in 2025, approximately $265 in 2026). That means your only out-of-pocket cost for Medicare-covered services each year is the Part B deductible plus your monthly premium. Hospitalizations, specialist visits, lab work, outpatient procedures, skilled nursing facility stays, and even foreign travel emergencies are all covered with zero additional cost-sharing.
Before 2020, Plan F held the title of most comprehensive Medigap plan because it covered the Part B deductible as well. However, MACRA legislation closed Plan F to new Medicare beneficiaries. Since Plan G covers everything Plan F does minus that one small deductible, it effectively replaced Plan F as the gold standard. Monthly premiums for Plan G range from $120 to $290 depending on age, location, and insurer. For a detailed analysis, see our Medicare Supplement Plan G guide.
When Plan N Might Be the Better Choice
Plan N covers most of the same benefits as Plan G but requires a copay of up to $20 for office visits and up to $50 for non-admitted ER visits. It also does not cover Part B excess charges. In exchange, Plan N premiums are typically $25 to $60 per month lower than Plan G from the same insurer.
For beneficiaries who are relatively healthy and see the doctor fewer than eight to ten times per year, Plan N often delivers better overall value. The premium savings can easily exceed the total copays. In states that prohibit excess charges, such as Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and New York, the gap between Plan N and Plan G narrows further. Our Medicare Plan N vs Plan G comparison runs the numbers in detail.
Other Plan Letters Worth Considering
Plan K and Plan L: Budget-Friendly Options
If keeping monthly premiums as low as possible is your priority, Plans K and L offer basic Medigap coverage at significantly reduced costs. Plan K covers 50 percent of most benefits and caps your annual out-of-pocket spending at $7,060 (2025). Plan L covers 75 percent with a $3,530 cap. Premiums for Plan K can be as low as $40 to $120 per month. These plans work well for healthy beneficiaries who want catastrophic protection without the premium commitment of Plan G or N.
High-Deductible Plan G
High-Deductible Plan G requires you to pay a $2,800 annual deductible (projected for 2026) before benefits kick in, but premiums are remarkably low, often $25 to $75 per month. Once you meet the deductible, the plan covers everything standard Plan G covers. This option appeals to beneficiaries who are very healthy and want the lowest possible monthly cost while maintaining comprehensive catastrophic coverage.
Plan F (for Pre-2020 Eligible Beneficiaries)
If you became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, you can still purchase Plan F. It covers everything including the Part B deductible, meaning zero out-of-pocket costs for covered services. However, Plan F premiums run $30 to $60 per month higher than Plan G, and the risk pool is aging since no new enrollees can join. Over time, this will likely push Plan F premiums even higher. Most financial analysts recommend Plan G over Plan F for long-term value. See our Plan F vs Plan G comparison.
Factors That Determine Your Best Plan
When figuring out what is the best Medicare Supplement plan for your specific situation, consider these variables. Your health status and expected healthcare usage affect how much you will benefit from comprehensive coverage versus lower-premium options. Your providers’ assignment status determines whether Part B excess charge coverage matters. Your state’s consumer protections (birthday rules, excess charge prohibitions) can make certain plans more or less attractive. Your budget and risk tolerance dictate whether you are comfortable with copays or prefer certainty.
For a side-by-side look at all plan letters, visit our Compare Medicare Supplement Plans Guide.
How the Best Plan Changes with Age
Your ideal plan may shift as you age. A healthy 65-year-old might start with Plan N or high-deductible Plan G to keep premiums low during years when they need little care. As healthcare needs increase in their 70s and 80s, switching to standard Plan G provides broader coverage with minimal cost-sharing. The challenge is that switching may require medical underwriting if you are outside your initial Medigap OEP and your state does not offer guaranteed-issue switching rights.
One strategy is to start with Plan G from the beginning, accepting slightly higher premiums in exchange for the security of never needing to switch or pass underwriting. The annual cost difference between Plan G and Plan N for a 65-year-old is roughly $300 to $720, a manageable amount for the certainty Plan G provides. For cost details, see our Medigap Cost Comparison Chart.
The Insurer Matters Too
Because Medigap benefits are standardized, choosing the right company is as important as choosing the right plan letter. Look for an AM Best financial strength rating of A- or higher, a low NAIC complaint index, competitive premiums in your ZIP code, and available discounts (nonsmoker, household, annual payment). Our list of the 10 best supplemental insurance companies is a useful starting point.
Also pay attention to the insurer’s premium rating method. Attained-age-rated policies start cheap but get more expensive every year. Issue-age-rated and community-rated policies cost more initially but grow more slowly over time. The rating method can have a larger impact on lifetime costs than the starting premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plan G always the best Medicare Supplement plan?
Plan G is the best choice for most beneficiaries because it offers the most comprehensive coverage available to new enrollees with predictable, low out-of-pocket costs. However, if you are healthy and price-sensitive, Plan N, Plan K, or high-deductible Plan G may deliver better value for your specific situation.
Does the best plan depend on where I live?
Yes. State regulations affect which plans offer the best value. States that prohibit Part B excess charges make Plan N more competitive because it eliminates one of Plan G’s key advantages. States with birthday rules give you more flexibility to start with a cheaper plan and switch later. Check your state’s rules or see our state-specific guides for PA, Maryland, and California.
Can I change plans if I pick the wrong one?
You can apply to change at any time, but outside your initial Medigap OEP, insurers in most states can underwrite your application. Choosing wisely at the outset is strongly recommended. If you are unsure, Plan G is the safest default because it provides the most coverage with the least risk of needing to switch later.
What about Medicare Advantage instead of Medigap?
Medicare Advantage is a fundamentally different approach with its own advantages and limitations. It is not a direct alternative to a specific Medigap plan letter. Our Medicare Advantage vs Supplement guide explores whether Advantage or Medigap is the right path for you.
The Bottom Line
For most new Medicare beneficiaries, Plan G is the best Medicare Supplement plan. It delivers the most comprehensive coverage available, has the most predictable cost structure, and avoids the aging risk-pool problem that affects Plan F. Plan N is a strong runner-up for cost-conscious beneficiaries who do not mind modest copays. Whichever plan you choose, enroll during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, compare quotes from multiple insurers, and verify the company’s financial stability and pricing method. For broader guidance on Medicare decisions, visit our healthcare policy guide and healthcare costs guide.