Medicare Supplement Comparison
Medicare Supplement Plan G vs. Plan N
Both plans work with Original Medicare and offer broad provider access. The practical difference is how much you prefer to pay through the monthly premium versus possible copays and excess charges when you receive care.
Clear comparisons. Personal help.
Understand the tradeoffs before you choose.
The quick answer
Two strong options with different cost-sharing
Plan G
Plan G generally covers the Medicare-approved cost sharing left after Original Medicare, except for the Medicare Part B deductible.
Plan N
Plan N generally has a lower premium than Plan G, but you may have certain office and emergency room copays, and it does not cover Part B excess charges.
Neither plan is automatically better. The better fit depends on premiums available to you, expected use of care, and how comfortable you are with possible out-of-pocket costs.
What they share
Important similarities
Original Medicare foundation
Both supplement Original Medicare rather than replacing it.
Broad provider access
You may see any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare, subject to the provider accepting you as a patient.
No drug coverage
Neither includes Part D prescription drug coverage; a separate Part D plan may be needed.
At a glance
Plan G and Plan N compared
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Works with Original Medicare | Yes | Yes |
| Standardized benefits | Generally the same benefits across insurers | Generally the same benefits across insurers |
| Part A hospital coinsurance | Covered | Covered |
| Part A deductible | Covered | Covered |
| Part B coinsurance | Covered after the Part B deductible | Covered after the Part B deductible, except for permitted copays |
| Part B deductible | Not covered for people newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020 | Not covered |
| Office visit copays | No Plan G office copay after the Part B deductible | Up to $20 for certain office visits |
| Emergency room copay | No Plan G ER copay after the Part B deductible | Up to $50 for certain ER visits that do not result in inpatient admission |
| Part B excess charges | Generally covered | Not covered |
| Skilled nursing coinsurance | Covered | Covered |
| First three pints of blood | Covered | Covered |
| Foreign travel emergency | Limited benefit, subject to plan terms | Limited benefit, subject to plan terms |
| Provider network | No plan network | No plan network |
| Referrals | Not required by the supplement | Not required by the supplement |
| Prescription drug coverage | Not included | Not included |
| Medical underwriting later | May apply outside protected enrollment rights | May apply outside protected enrollment rights |
A key shared cost
Both plans leave the Part B deductible to you
After you meet the annual Medicare Part B deductible, Plan G generally covers the remaining Medicare-approved Part B coinsurance. Plan N generally covers it too, except for its permitted copays and any Part B excess charges.
Learn more about Medicare Part B →Plan N copays
How the copays may work
Plan N may require up to a $20 copay for certain office visits and up to a $50 copay for certain emergency room visits. The emergency room copay generally does not apply when the visit results in an inpatient admission.
Example: after the Part B deductible is met, a routine physician visit could involve a Plan N copay. The exact amount depends on how the service is billed and covered.
Excess charges
A less common cost worth understanding
A provider who does not accept Medicare assignment may be allowed to charge above the Medicare-approved amount, within federal and state limits. Plan G generally covers eligible Part B excess charges; Plan N generally does not.
Review Part B details →Premiums
Compare the full tradeoff, not premium alone
Plan N premiums are often lower than Plan G premiums, although actual premiums vary by insurer and applicant. That lower premium partly reflects the additional cost sharing a Plan N beneficiary may assume, including certain office visit copays and certain emergency room copays. The emergency room copay generally does not apply when the visit results in an inpatient admission. Plan N also does not cover eligible Medicare Part B excess charges. Many Medicare providers accept Medicare assignment, so some beneficiaries may never encounter an excess charge; however, it is important to understand that Plan N provides no protection against eligible Part B excess charges before choosing the plan. Neither Plan G nor Plan N is automatically better. Someone who understands these tradeoffs may find Plan N to be an excellent option.
Age
Pricing method and age can affect rates.
Location
Rates can vary by ZIP code and state.
Household discounts
Availability and rules differ by insurer.
Tobacco and eligibility
Health questions or tobacco status may affect pricing.
Provider access and travel
The same broad Medicare access
Plan G and Plan N do not use plan provider networks. You can generally use either anywhere in the United States with a provider who accepts Medicare and is willing to treat you. Foreign travel emergency benefits are limited and subject to plan terms.
Confirm before care
Before receiving care, ask whether your provider accepts Medicare assignment. This is especially important when comparing Plan N, because Plan N does not cover eligible Medicare Part B excess charges.
Plan G may appeal if you value
Fewer routine cost-sharing decisions
- More predictable Medicare-approved medical costs after the Part B deductible
- Coverage for eligible Part B excess charges
- A willingness to pay the available Plan G premium
Plan N may appeal if you value
A potentially lower premium
- Lower monthly premiums where available
- Comfort paying certain office and emergency room copays
- Comfort confirming assignment and handling possible excess charges
Questions to ask
Before choosing Plan G or Plan N
What is the actual premium difference for me?
How often do I expect to visit doctors?
Would possible Plan N copays bother me?
Do my providers accept Medicare assignment?
How important is coverage for excess charges?
How often do I travel within the United States?
Could changing plans later require medical underwriting?
How has each insurer historically priced its plans?
Changing plans later
Enrollment timing can matter
During your Medigap open enrollment period or another protected right, you may have guaranteed-issue protections. Outside those situations, an insurer may ask health questions, use medical underwriting, charge a different premium, or decline an application where permitted.
Do not cancel existing coverage until new coverage is approved and effective.
Another option to compare
Where High-Deductible Plan G fits
Plan G
Higher benefit level after the Part B deductible, with premiums that may be higher.
Plan N
Possible premium savings in exchange for certain copays and excess-charge exposure.
High-Deductible Plan G
Lower-premium, higher-deductible design while retaining Original Medicare provider flexibility.
Local Medicare guidance
Compare with Mike, Your Insurance Coach
Get a clear, Texas-focused comparison of Plan G and Plan N premiums, company options, and enrollment rules from Mike, Your Insurance Coach. Mike serves Medicare beneficiaries in Celina, Prosper, Frisco, McKinney, Little Elm, Aubrey, Anna, and Melissa, as well as communities throughout Collin County, Denton County, and North Texas. The goal is to help you choose with confidence, without pressure.
A simple process
Three steps to a clearer choice
Share your priorities
Discuss budget, providers, travel, and comfort with cost sharing.
Compare available plans
Review premiums, insurer details, and enrollment eligibility.
Choose without pressure
Decide whether Plan G, Plan N, or another approach fits.
Frequently asked questions
Plan G vs. Plan N FAQs
What is the main difference between Plan G and Plan N?
Plan G generally covers more Part B cost sharing, while Plan N may have lower premiums and certain copays and excess-charge exposure.
Do both plans work with Original Medicare?
Yes. Both supplement Original Medicare Parts A and B.
Does either plan include prescription drug coverage?
No. Prescription drug coverage generally requires a separate Part D plan.
Does Plan G cover the Part B deductible?
Not for people newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
Does Plan N cover the Part B deductible?
No.
What office visit copay can Plan N charge?
Up to $20 for certain office visits after the Part B deductible.
What emergency room copay can Plan N charge?
Up to $50 for certain ER visits that do not result in inpatient admission.
Does Plan G cover excess charges?
Plan G generally covers eligible Medicare Part B excess charges.
Does Plan N cover excess charges?
No. Ask providers whether they accept Medicare assignment.
Can I use any doctor with Plan G or Plan N?
You may generally see any provider who accepts Medicare and is willing to treat you; neither supplement uses a provider network.
Do I need referrals?
The supplement itself does not require referrals, though a provider may have its own intake policies.
Which plan has the lower premium?
Plan N is often lower, but actual premiums vary by insurer and applicant.
Are Plan G and Plan N benefits standardized?
In most states, a lettered plan has the same basic standardized benefits regardless of insurer.
Can premiums increase?
Yes. Premiums are not guaranteed to remain the same and can change subject to insurer and regulatory rules.
Can I switch between Plan G and Plan N later?
You may apply, but medical underwriting can apply outside protected enrollment rights.
What is Medigap open enrollment?
It is generally a six-month period beginning when you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Part B, with important federal protections.
Do these plans cover foreign travel?
Both include a limited foreign travel emergency benefit subject to plan rules and limits.
Is Plan N better for healthy people?
Health use is one factor, but premiums, risk tolerance, providers, and future insurability also matter.
How do I compare insurers offering the same lettered plan?
Compare premium, pricing method, discounts, service, financial strength, and rate history where available.
Related resources
Keep learning
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Review available premiums and the tradeoffs with a local, independent Medicare professional.