What it is
Medigap Plan G is one of the standardized Medicare Supplement plans sold by private insurance companies. It works alongside Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). It is not a stand-alone health plan, and it is not Medicare Advantage.
In general, Plan G helps cover many cost-sharing amounts that Original Medicare does not, such as hospital coinsurance and certain Part B charges. It generally does not include the Part B deductible, which you would typically pay yourself. A high-deductible version of Plan G also exists, with a different cost structure.
Plan G benefits are standardized by letter, so the core coverage is the same from one carrier to the next in most states. Massachusetts, Minnesota and Wisconsin standardize Medigap differently. Plans A, B, D, G, K, L, M and N are sold to people newly eligible for Medicare. Plans C and F are available only to people who became eligible before January 1, 2020. Plans E, H, I and J were discontinued and are not sold today.
How it’s traditionally been approached
People have traditionally chosen Medigap alongside Original Medicare because they want to see any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare, without networks or referrals. Many also value predictable cost-sharing from year to year.
Others have chosen Medicare Advantage instead. Those plans often have lower monthly premiums, an annual out-of-pocket maximum, extra benefits and, in many cases, drug coverage. They may also use provider networks, prior authorization and copays. Both paths are reasonable, and the better fit depends on the person.
Medigap trade-offs are worth knowing. Premiums are generally higher than many Medicare Advantage premiums. Outside open enrollment or guaranteed issue periods, medical underwriting may apply. Medigap does not include drug coverage, so a separate Part D plan is needed, and it does not include routine dental, vision or hearing.
How the right licensed agent may help
A Medigap agent may help you understand how Plan G compares with Plan N, Plans K, L and M, and other letters. They can generally explain what each plan is designed to cover. They may also describe how carriers in your state differ.
A conversation with an agent is usually a chance to talk through your doctors, your travel habits and how comfortable you are with cost-sharing. Helpful questions include: Which carriers sell Plan G in my state? How does my enrollment timing affect my options? Would underwriting apply to me?
An agent may also help you think about Part D drug coverage and how Medigap fits with it. No agent can promise acceptance, savings or a single best plan. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information.
The bigger picture
Choosing a Medicare supplement is about more than numbers. For many people, knowing how their care costs may work brings real peace of mind. Feeling confident in a choice can ease stress, which matters for overall wellbeing.
It can help to take your time and ask questions without pressure. If finding the right doctors or care teams is part of your planning, Providers.plus may be one resource to explore. Always confirm current rules at Medicare.gov, with your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), or with a licensed agent.
Keep in mind
- Plan G is sold to people newly eligible for Medicare; Plans C and F are limited to those eligible before January 1, 2020.
- Plan H was discontinued and is not sold today, even though people still search for it.
- Open enrollment, guaranteed issue and underwriting rules vary by state and change over time, so confirm current rules before deciding.
- This page is insurance education only, not insurance, legal, tax or medical advice, and it is not endorsed by the U.S. government or Medicare.
Take the next step
- Talk with a Medigap agent ↗Jeff Cline on contacts.plus — a person, not a call center.
Not sure where to start? Answer a few gentle questions and choose who you’d like to hear from.
Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information
Frequently asked questions
What is Medigap Plan G?
Medigap Plan G is a standardized Medicare Supplement plan sold by private insurers. It helps pay many costs Original Medicare leaves behind. It generally does not cover the Part B deductible.
Is Medigap Plan G available to everyone on Medicare?
Plan G is sold to people newly eligible for Medicare, but availability depends on your state, carrier and enrollment timing. Outside certain enrollment periods, medical underwriting may apply. Confirm current rules with Medicare.gov, your SHIP or a licensed agent.
What is the difference between Medigap Plan G and Plan F?
Plan F generally covers the Part B deductible as well, while Plan G generally does not. Plan F is available only to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. Plan G is sold to people newly eligible.
How does Medigap Plan G compare with Plan N?
Both are sold to people newly eligible for Medicare, but they divide cost-sharing differently. Plan N may involve some copays for certain visits and does not cover all excess charges. A Medigap agent may help you compare how each is designed.
Does Medigap Plan G include drug coverage?
No. Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. People who want drug coverage generally add a separate Part D plan. Medigap also does not include routine dental, vision or hearing.
Is Medigap Plan G better than Medicare Advantage?
Neither is best for everyone. Medigap offers any-provider access nationwide that accepts Medicare and predictable cost-sharing, with generally higher premiums. Medicare Advantage often has lower premiums and extra benefits, with networks and prior authorization. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP for more information.
Educational resource. 1-800-MEDIGAP shares general information and connects people with independent licensed agents. It is not professional advice. Talk with a qualified professional about your own situation.