Plan F vs Plan G vs Plan N: Complete Medigap Comparison

The Three Most Popular Medigap Plans

Plans F, G, and N represent different approaches to Medicare supplemental coverage. Each offers comprehensive protection with varying levels of cost-sharing.

Understanding these differences helps you choose the plan that best balances coverage with affordability.

Plan F: Maximum Coverage (Existing Members Only)

Important Note

Plan F is no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries (those eligible after January 1, 2020). Only existing members can keep this plan.

What Plan F Covers

Plan F covers virtually all Medicare gaps:

• Part A deductible
• Part B deductible
• Part A and B coinsurance
• Part B excess charges
• First 3 pints of blood
• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
• Hospice coinsurance
• Foreign travel emergency coverage

What You Pay with Plan F

Monthly premium only. After that, virtually no out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-covered services.

Plan G: Near-Maximum Coverage

What Plan G Covers

Plan G covers everything Plan F covers except the Part B deductible:

• Part A deductible
• Part A and B coinsurance
• Part B excess charges
• First 3 pints of blood
• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
• Hospice coinsurance
• Foreign travel emergency coverage

What You Pay with Plan G

Monthly premium plus the annual Part B deductible ($240 in 2025). After meeting the deductible, virtually no out-of-pocket costs.

Plan N: Balanced Coverage with Copays

What Plan N Covers

Plan N covers most Medicare gaps with small copays:

• Part A deductible
• Part A and B coinsurance (after Part B deductible)
• First 3 pints of blood
• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
• Hospice coinsurance
• Foreign travel emergency coverage

What Plan N Doesn't Cover

• Part B deductible
• Part B excess charges
• Office visit copays (up to $20)
• Emergency room copays (up to $50)

Premium Comparison

Typical monthly premiums (vary by location and insurance company):

• Plan F: $200-$300/month
• Plan G: $150-$250/month
• Plan N: $120-$180/month

Plan N typically costs $40-$60 less per month than Plan G, and Plan G costs $30-$50 less than Plan F.

Annual Cost Comparison

Low Healthcare Usage (4 doctor visits/year)

Plan G: $2,400 premium + $240 deductible = $2,640

Plan N: $1,800 premium + $240 deductible + $80 copays = $2,120

Plan N saves $520

Moderate Healthcare Usage (15 doctor visits/year)

Plan G: $2,400 premium + $240 deductible = $2,640

Plan N: $1,800 premium + $240 deductible + $300 copays = $2,340

Plan N saves $300

High Healthcare Usage (30 doctor visits/year)

Plan G: $2,400 premium + $240 deductible = $2,640

Plan N: $1,800 premium + $240 deductible + $600 copays = $2,640

Plans cost the same

Who Should Choose Each Plan

Plan F (Existing Members)

If you already have Plan F and are satisfied with it, there's usually no reason to switch. You have the most comprehensive coverage available.

Plan G

Choose Plan G if you:

• Want comprehensive coverage with minimal out-of-pocket costs
• Prefer predictable expenses
• Use healthcare frequently
• Live in an area where doctors charge excess fees

Plan N

Choose Plan N if you:

• Want good coverage at a lower premium
• Don't mind small copays for routine care
• Use healthcare infrequently to moderately
• Are budget-conscious but want solid protection

Key Considerations

Excess Charges

Part B excess charges (when doctors charge more than Medicare pays) are rare but can be significant. Plans F and G cover these; Plan N doesn't.

Premium Stability

All Medigap plans can increase premiums over time. Plan F often has the highest increases because it attracts the sickest beneficiaries.

Underwriting

Switching between Medigap plans typically requires medical underwriting. Health issues could prevent switches or increase costs.

Switching Between Plans

From Plan F

Plan F members can usually switch to Plan G without underwriting in most states, potentially saving money with minimal coverage loss.

From Plan G to Plan N

This typically requires underwriting since Plan N offers less coverage than Plan G.

From Plan N to Plan G

This also requires underwriting since you'd be getting more coverage.

Our Recommendations

For New Medicare Beneficiaries

Plan G offers the best balance of comprehensive coverage and reasonable cost for most people.

For Budget-Conscious Seniors

Plan N provides excellent value if you're comfortable with small copays and don't mind the Part B deductible.

For Maximum Protection

Plan G gives you near-maximum coverage (similar to Plan F) at a lower cost.

The Bottom Line

All three plans offer excellent Medicare supplement coverage. Your choice depends on your balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

Plan G offers the best combination of comprehensive coverage and value for most new Medicare beneficiaries.

Plan N provides good coverage at a lower cost if you're comfortable with small copays.

Plan F remains excellent coverage for existing members but is no longer available to new beneficiaries.