For most people who became eligible after 2020, Plan G is the most complete Medigap supplement available. What many people don't know is that most insurers also offer a high-deductible version of the same plan, with a notably lower monthly premium in exchange for you paying the year's first expenses out of pocket. This guide does not repeat the Plan G vs. Plan N comparison we cover elsewhere, but instead focuses specifically on how the high-deductible version works, how much it costs in 2026, and what type of person it actually makes sense for.
How High-Deductible Plan G works
High-Deductible Plan G offers exactly the same coverage as standard Plan G, with one difference: before the plan starts paying, you cover an annual deductible of the plan itself out of pocket. In 2026, that deductible is $2,950. Any expense Medicare would have approved — Part B coinsurance, the Part A deductible, and other costs standard Plan G normally covers — counts toward that amount.
It is important not to confuse this plan deductible with the annual Part B deductible, which in 2026 is $283 and is paid separately, directly tied to Medicare, before Part B covers its share of your medical services. The $2,950 High-Deductible Plan G deductible includes that Part B amount within its calculation, along with the rest of the expenses standard Plan G would cover.
Availability, cost, benefits, and eligibility vary by person, product, contract, and insurance company, as well as by your service area. Guarantees are subject to the claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Karla Arámburo is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or the federal government.
Once you meet the deductible: coverage identical to standard Plan G
After your eligible out-of-pocket expenses add up to $2,950 within the calendar year, High-Deductible Plan G covers the rest exactly the way standard Plan G would: Part B coinsurance at 100%, the Part B excess charge at 100%, and the Part A hospital deductible and coinsurance. The deductible resets every January 1, regardless of when you met it the year before.
Total-cost comparison: low premium vs. deductible risk
High-Deductible Plan G's monthly premium is usually considerably lower than standard Plan G's — in many ZIP codes, the annual premium difference comes close to the deductible amount itself. That means the decision really comes down to how much medical care you expect to need during the year.
| Aspect | Standard Plan G | High-Deductible Plan G |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Higher | Notably lower |
| Annual plan deductible (2026) | $0 | $2,950 |
| Coverage after the deductible | Identical | Identical |
| Best in a quiet health year | Higher total cost | Lower total cost |
| Best in a high-medical-expense year | More predictable total cost | Can come close to or match standard Plan G |
In practice, if you add up the annual premium difference between the two plans and compare it against the $2,950 deductible, you can estimate at what point in medical visits or procedures High-Deductible Plan G stops being the cheaper option. For most people in good health with few visits per year, the high-deductible version ends up costing less overall.
Who the high-deductible version makes sense for
High-Deductible Plan G usually makes sense for someone who rarely sees a doctor beyond their annual preventive checkups — which Medicare covers at no cost, and which don't count toward the deductible — and who has enough savings to comfortably cover the full deductible if a year turns out more complicated than expected. It is also a reasonable choice for someone who simply prefers a lower monthly premium and is willing to accept more uncertainty in their annual spending in exchange.
It is usually not the best option for someone with a chronic condition that generates frequent visits, scheduled procedures, or predictable medical expenses every year, because they are likely to reach the deductible anyway — and in that case, standard Plan G's higher premium usually results in a similar or lower total cost with more predictability.
Key differences versus standard Plan G
Beyond the deductible, there are no coverage differences between the two versions: same benefits, same protection against the Part B excess charge, and neither includes prescription drug coverage, so in both cases you need a separate Part D plan. Availability of the high-deductible version also varies by state and insurer, so not every ZIP code has the same options. To understand how Medigap works in general before comparing these two versions, review our general Medigap guide, and if you are also considering Plan F, our Plan F vs. Plan G comparison explains who can still buy it. If your income places you in an IRMAA bracket, also review our 2026 IRMAA guide, since that surcharge is added to Part B regardless of which Medigap plan you choose.
Free bilingual help deciding
I am Karla Arámburo, an independent, bilingual insurance agent licensed to serve families across Southern California, including residents of cities like San Diego and Irvine. I review your medical-visit history, your budget, and the premiums available in your ZIP code to help you decide between standard Plan G and High-Deductible Plan G, in Spanish or English, at no cost to you. As an independent agent, I compare specific insurers, not just one plan.
You can call or text (619) 321-8733 to schedule a free consultation. I also offer life insurance options that accept an ITIN. This page is general education, not individualized advice or a product recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the High-Deductible Plan G deductible in 2026?
It is $2,950 per year. You must pay that amount out of pocket in Medicare-approved expenses, within the calendar year, before High-Deductible Plan G begins covering the rest the way standard Plan G would.
Is the $2,950 deductible the same as the Part B deductible?
No, they are different things. The Part B deductible in 2026 is $283 and is paid separately, directly related to Medicare, before Part B covers its share. The $2,950 High-Deductible Plan G deductible is the Medigap plan's own deductible, which covers that Part B amount plus the coinsurance and other costs standard Plan G would normally cover.
What happens after I meet the $2,950?
Once your eligible out-of-pocket expenses reach $2,950 within the calendar year, High-Deductible Plan G covers the rest exactly like standard Plan G: Part B coinsurance, the Part B excess charge, and the Part A hospital deductible and coinsurance, through the end of the year.
Who does High-Deductible Plan G make the most sense for?
For someone with few medical visits per year, who rarely comes close to the deductible amount, and who prefers a low monthly premium in exchange for taking on the risk of a larger out-of-pocket cost if they have a complicated health year. It also suits someone with enough savings to comfortably cover the full deductible if needed.
How does the total cost compare against standard Plan G?
It depends on how much care you use. In a quiet health year, High-Deductible Plan G's lower premium usually means you pay less overall than with standard Plan G. In a year with significant medical expenses that reach or exceed the deductible, you could end up paying a similar amount, or even more, than with standard Plan G, depending on the premium difference between the two.
Does High-Deductible Plan G cover prescription drugs?
No. Just like standard Plan G, it does not include prescription drug coverage, so you need a separate Part D plan if you require that coverage.
Can I switch from High-Deductible Plan G to standard Plan G later?
Yes, but outside your guaranteed-issue eligibility period, that switch usually requires medical underwriting, so the insurer could deny coverage or charge more based on your health at that time. It is worth thinking about your long-term situation before choosing the high-deductible version just for the lower starting premium.
Does the $2,950 deductible change every year?
Yes. Medicare sets that amount each year and typically adjusts it slightly, the same way it does with the Part B deductible and other Medicare amounts. We check the current amount every time we compare plans.