Medicare Plan N vs Plan G in 2025 – What’s Best?

Compare affordable Medicare Plans

Russell Noga
by Russell Noga | Updated October 3rd, 2024

Plan G vs. Plan N

Medicare supplement insurance plans complement your existing Medicare Part A & Medicare Part B coverage. They assist with covering the out-of-pocket expenses not covered by Original Medicare.

There are ten Medigap policies, listed in letters A through L. Of the ten, Plans G & N are the two most popular choices for new enrollees eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020.

Both plans have a significant difference in the coverage they provide beneficiaries and the premiums charged monthly. This post examines the differences between Medicare Supplement Plan G vs Plan N.

We’ll compare the benefits and costs and recommend the right plan for your unique healthcare needs.

You’ll learn the differences between Medicare Plan N vs Plan G, giving you the information you need to settle on the right policy for you.

Medicare Supplement Plan N vs G – Coverage Differences

Medigap Plans N and Plan G have distinct similarities and differences in the coverage they offer beneficiaries. These are two of the most popular Medigap plans for 2025.

The great news is, that they both offer comprehensive coverage for relatively low monthly premiums.

But there are certain things you need to know about each to make sure they’re the right coverage for you, and that you don’t overpay.

Let’s unpack them for you in a brief analysis.

 


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Similar Benefits in Medicare Plan G & N

Medigap Plan N & G offers beneficiaries the following benefits.

  • Part A coinsurance and hospital stays up to 365 days after Medicare benefits expire.
  • Part A deductible.
  • Part A hospice care copayments or coinsurance.
  • Coinsurance for skilled nursing facility care.
  • Blood transfusion (the first three pints Original Medicare doesn’t cover).
  • 80% of emergency health care costs for the first 60 days when traveling outside the US. You’ll have to meet a $250 deductible, and there is a $50,000 lifetime limitation.
  • Medigap Plan N and G don’t cover the annual Medicare Part B deductible.

 

 

Benefits that differ between Plan G and Plan N

Medigap Plan G & N have two distinct differences in their coverage. While you must pay the annual Medicare Part B deductible on both plans, with Plan G that is the extent of your medical out-of-pocket expenses.

On Medicare Plan N, there could be a few more.

 

Medicare Plan N vs Plan G - which is better?

 

Medicare Plan N Copayments

The level of Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B coinsurance offered by Medicare Plan N & G is the same after the Medicare Part B deductible is met.

However, Medicare Plan N requires copayments of up to $20 for doctors’ room visits and up to a $50 copayment for trips to the emergency room that don’t result in the medical team admitting you into inpatient hospital care.

Medicare Plan G has no copayments to meet.

 

Part B Excess Charges

Medigap Plan G covers Medicare Part B excess charges, while Medicare Plan N doesn’t. These are quite rare, however, and on average are less than $20 per occurrence.

In fact, it’s estimated that less than 1% of all health claims ever involve a Medicare Part B excess charge.

Excess Costs

Call your doctor to ask if they accept “Medicare assignment”. If they do, then they do not charge any excess charges. Most doctors in the United States do not charge them.

 

 

Medicare Supplement Plan G vs N – Comparing Premiums

The most significant difference between Plan G and Plan N is the monthly premiums you pay on your policy.

Since Plan G has a near-comprehensive cover and Plan N requires copayments, Plan G has a higher monthly premium.

It’s important to understand that many different insurance companies offer both of these plans, and they all charge entirely different rates for the exact same coverage.

For example, Medicare Plan G from Mutual of Omaha in 2025 will have a completely different premium than Allstate’s Plan G, in the same area for someone who is the same age.

So how do you choose?

Well, we can help. We shop the rates from the top companies in your area to make sure you don’t overpay.

Medicare Plan G Rates for 2025

The average monthly premium for Plan G is between $100 – $368, and the average premium cost for Plan N is $76 – $349. The rate for your Plan G or N policy can vary depending on factors like your age, gender, smoking status, and location in the United States.

Here’s an example of what a 65-year-old nonsmoking woman pays for premiums in North Carolina.

  • Medigap Plan G: $96.
  • Medigap Plan N: $72.

 

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What is High Deductible Plan G?

If you want a more affordable premium with excellent coverage, consider taking the “high-deductible” Plan G.

This policy requires you to meet a much higher deductible before you receive 100% coverage. In 2023 this deductible amount is $2700. However, you get a significant reduction in premiums while retaining all the standard Plan G policy benefits.

Premiums for the high-deductible Plan G often start as low as $40 in many areas, making it a more affordable option than Plan N while offering near-comprehensive coverage. However, the high-deductible plan G isn’t available from all providers.

Contact us, and we’ll help you find the best insurance provider for the high-deductible Plan G in your state at the best rates.

 

Medicare Supplement Plan G vs N – Which One Should I Choose?

So, which option is the better choice? Plan G or Plan N? Well, that’s a loaded question, depending on personal factors.

 

Discovering the Better Option

 

The average difference in premiums is around $24 per month, as per our earlier example.

This difference accounts for one copayment of $20 to a doctor’s office or emergency room every other month.

Plan N for Healthy Seniors & Retirees

Medicare Plan N is the better choice for seniors and retirees who are healthy and don’t visit the doctor or make trips to the emergency room very often.Plan N is the Better Choice for Healthy Seniors

For instance, let’s assume a Plan N policy in your state or city costs $25 less than a standard Plan G policy.

That equates to a difference of $300 annually. If you make four visits to the doctor’s office requiring a $20 copayment and one trip to the emergency room with a $50 copayment, that results in $130 in out-of-pocket expenses.

So, you would save $170 annually on the costs of Plan N vs Plan G.

If you’re healthy and hardly make any trips to the doctor but still want near-comprehensive cover, then Medicare Plan N may be the better option.

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Plan G for Predictable Healthcare Costs

Plan G is Better for Predictable Healthcare CostsIf you have a pre-existing health condition or find yourself making a trip to the doctor or emergency room more than once a quarter, Plan G might be the better option for your Medigap policy.

Medicare Plan G gives you better predictability of your annual healthcare expenses, which might be more important than the risk of making copayments on consultations with medical professionals.

For instance, if we use the same example as the Medicare Plan N scenario, you would pay $25 more in premiums for standard Plan G every month, resulting in $300 annually.

However, you don’t have to make any copayments, resulting in better stability for your monthly budget and peace of mind knowing you have coverage for everything after meeting the annual Medicare Part B deductible.

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the difference between Medicare Supplement Plan G and Plan N?

  Medicare Supplement Plan G and Plan N are both popular options, but they have some key differences. Medicare Plan G offers more comprehensive coverage compared to Plan N, but it usually comes with a higher monthly premium.

Medicare Plan N has copayments and possible excess charges that you might have to pay, in exchange for a lower monthly premium than Plan G.

 

What does Medicare Supplement Plan G cover?

  Medicare Supplement Plan G provides coverage for Medicare Part A deductible, Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Part B coinsurance or copayments, Medicare Part B excess charges, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and even offers coverage for medical expenses while traveling abroad.

 

What does Medicare Supplement Plan N cover?

  Medicare Supplement Plan N covers Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Part B coinsurance or copayments (except for a small copayment for office visits and emergency room visits), and skilled nursing facility coinsurance. It does not cover the Part B deductible or excess charges.

 

Does Medicare Supplement Plan G or Plan N have lower premiums?

  Generally, Medicare Supplement Plan N has lower monthly premiums compared to Plan G. However, it’s important to consider the differences in coverage and potential out-of-pocket costs when making a decision.

Use our free online quote engine at the top of this page to check rates for both plans in your area.

 

Is there a difference in out-of-pocket costs between Plan G and Plan N?

  Yes, there can be differences in out-of-pocket costs between Plan G and Plan N. Plan G typically has minimal out-of-pocket expenses, while Plan N may have copayments for certain services, such as office visits and emergency room visits.

 

Can I see any doctor or specialist with Medicare Supplement Plan G or Plan N?

  Yes, both Medicare Supplement Plan G and Plan N allow you to visit any healthcare provider who accepts Medicare patients. These plans do not have networks of preferred providers, offering you flexibility in choosing your healthcare providers.

 

Are prescription drugs covered under Medicare Supplement Plan G or Plan N?

  No, Medicare Supplement plans, including Plan G and Plan N, do not cover prescription drugs. To get coverage for medications, you need to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

 

Can I switch from Plan N to Plan G or vice versa?

  Switching between Medicare Supplement plans is possible, but it may be subject to certain conditions. These conditions could include medical underwriting or restrictions imposed by insurance companies. It’s advisable to review the rules and regulations of your specific plan and consult with an insurance professional.

 

Which plan is better suited for individuals who visit the doctor frequently?

  Medicare Supplement Plan G may be a better choice for individuals who visit the doctor frequently since it offers more comprehensive coverage, including coverage for Part B excess charges. However, it’s essential to compare the costs and benefits of both plans based on your specific healthcare needs.

 

Which plan is the better choice ultimately, Plan G or Plan N?

  The better choice between Medicare Supplement Plan G and Plan N depends on individual preferences, healthcare needs, and budget.

Medicare Plan G provides more extensive coverage but comes with a higher premium, while Medicare Plan N has lower premiums but requires copayments for certain services. Evaluating your healthcare usage and expected costs can help determine which plan is more suitable for you.

We can help, give us a call today.

Find the Right Medicare Plan for You

Searching for the right Medicare plan doesn’t have to be confusing. Whether it’s a Medigap plan or you have questions about Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D, we can help.

Call us today at 1-888-891-0229 and one of our knowledgeable, licensed insurance agents will be happy to assist you!

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