Plan G and Plan N are, today, the two most popular Medigap policies among people enrolling for the first time, because they offer solid coverage at a lower cost than Plan F, which is no longer available to people new to Medicare. This guide does not repeat the general Medigap introduction we cover elsewhere, but instead compares Plan G directly against Plan N: how they differ line by line, how much more you could pay under each, and what kind of person tends to prefer each option.
The key difference: full coinsurance vs. fixed copays
Plan G covers Part B coinsurance at 100% after you pay the annual Part B deductible. That means once that deductible is met, you pay virtually nothing additional for doctor visits or Medicare-approved outpatient services for the rest of the year.
Plan N, by contrast, requires a fixed copay of up to $20 per doctor's office visit and up to $50 for an emergency room visit that does not result in hospital admission. Those copays are manageable if you visit the doctor occasionally, but they can add up to hundreds of dollars a year if you have several medical appointments per month.
The Part B excess charge: the difference many people overlook
Some doctors do not accept Medicare 'assignment,' meaning they can charge up to 15% more than Medicare's approved rate for a service. Plan G covers this excess charge at 100%, so you never pay that difference. Plan N does not cover the excess charge: if your doctor charges it, that additional cost falls on you.
In practice, most doctors in California accept Medicare assignment, so this charge is uncommon. But if you have a specific specialist who does not accept it, or if you value complete cost certainty, this is a concrete reason to lean toward Plan G over Plan N.
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.
How the monthly premiums compare
Plan N generally has a monthly premium 15% to 30% lower than Plan G, depending on the insurer and your specific ZIP code. That premium difference can represent real savings if you are healthy and use few medical services per year.
However, the premium savings can shrink or disappear if you end up using several medical services during the year, since each Plan N copay adds up. Comparing your actual doctor-visit history from the previous year is the most honest way to estimate which plan costs you less overall.
Comparison table: Plan G vs. Plan N
| Aspect | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Higher | Lower (roughly 15%–30% less) |
| Part B deductible | You pay it before coverage kicks in | You pay it before coverage kicks in |
| Doctor visit copay | None | Up to $20 per visit |
| Emergency room copay | None | Up to $50 (if not admitted) |
| Part B excess charge | Covered 100% | Not covered; you pay it |
| Hospitalization (Part A) | Covered 100% | Covered 100% |
| Best for | Frequent medical use, maximum cost certainty | Good health, occasional use, lower premium |
Who each plan is best for
Plan G tends to work well for someone with ongoing medical conditions, who visits the doctor frequently, or who simply prefers paying a higher, predictable premium in exchange for never thinking about copays when receiving care. Plan N tends to work well for someone in good health, who visits the doctor only occasionally, and who is willing to handle small, predictable copays in exchange for a lower monthly premium.
Neither plan is objectively 'better'; the right decision depends on how much medical care you expect to use and how much cost certainty you value each month. If you want to first understand how Medigap works in general, including other lettered plans, review our general Medigap guide, and if you are still not sure whether Medigap or Medicare Advantage is the better fit, check our Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap comparison.
Free bilingual help deciding
I am Karla Arámburo, an independent, bilingual insurance agent licensed to serve families in Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside counties, including cities like San Diego, Temecula, Murrieta, and Menifee. I review your actual doctor-visit history, your budget, and your tolerance for variable costs to help you decide between Plan G and Plan N, in Spanish or English, at no cost to you. As an independent agent, I compare specific insurers available for your ZIP code, not just one plan.
You can call or text (619) 321-8733 or schedule a free consultation to review your specific situation. This page is general education, not individualized advice or a product recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important cost difference between Plan G and Plan N?
Plan G usually has a higher monthly premium but covers almost all Part B coinsurance, while Plan N has a lower premium but requires fixed copays for doctor visits and emergency room visits, plus possible Part B excess charges.
What is the Part B 'excess charge' and why does it matter in this comparison?
It is the difference a doctor who does not accept Medicare 'assignment' can charge above the approved rate, up to a 15% limit. Plan G covers this charge in full; Plan N does not, so if your doctor charges an excess fee, you pay that difference under Plan N.
How much exactly is the Plan N copay per doctor visit?
Plan N generally charges up to $20 for an office visit and up to $50 for an emergency room visit that does not result in hospital admission. Plan G has no such copays: once you pay the annual Part B deductible, coinsurance is covered.
Do both plans cover Part A hospitalization the same way?
Yes. Plan G and Plan N cover Part A hospital deductibles and coinsurance identically, including 365 extra days of hospital coverage after Medicare stops paying. The difference between the two plans is mostly in Part B-related costs.
Which plan is better if I visit the doctor very frequently?
If you visit the doctor frequently, Plan N's copays can add up to more than the monthly premium difference with Plan G, so in that case Plan G often ends up cheaper over the full year, in addition to being more predictable.
Can I switch from Plan N to Plan G later if I change my mind?
It is possible, but outside your initial guaranteed-issue eligibility period, the insurer can require medical underwriting and could deny coverage or charge more based on your health history. That is why it is worth comparing carefully before your first enrollment.
Is drug coverage included in Plan G or Plan N?
No. Neither Medigap plan includes drug coverage. Both require you to also carry a separate Part D plan if you need prescription drug coverage.