Medicare Supplement Plan G: Coverage, Costs & Is It Worth It?

What Does Medicare Supplement Plan G Cover?

Medicare Supplement Plan G is the most comprehensive Medigap plan available to new Medicare enrollees in 2026, and it's not even close. Once you've paid the annual Part B deductible ($283 in 2026, up $26 from $257 in 2025), Plan G acts as a near-complete financial backstop for Original Medicare's cost-sharing gaps.

Here's a full breakdown of what Plan G covers:

One benefit worth highlighting: Part B excess charges. If a provider does not accept Medicare assignment, they can legally bill up to 15% above the Medicare-approved amount. Plan G covers 100% of these charges, while Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges. Curious about all the other coverage holes Plan G fills? See our guide on gaps a Medigap plan can fill.

The One Gap: The Part B Deductible & Why Plan G Still Wins Over Plan F

Plan G has one well-known gap: it does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible, which is $283 in 2026. That means every January you'll owe the first $283 of Medicare Part B costs out of pocket before Plan G starts covering Part B coinsurance.

Why Can't Plan G Cover the Part B Deductible?

Under the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA), no Medigap plan sold to new Medicare enrollees after January 1, 2020 is allowed to cover the Part B deductible. Previously, Plan F and Plan C covered this cost, but both plans are now closed to anyone who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. Learn more about Plan F eligibility rules if you became eligible before that cutoff.

Plan G vs. Plan F: Which Is Better?

For anyone newly eligible for Medicare, this debate is settled: Plan F is not available to you. Plan G is the closest equivalent and covers identical benefits in every other category. In fact, Plan G enrollees often pay a lower monthly premium than Plan F enrollees because Plan F pools are aging and shrinking, which typically drives up Plan F premiums faster over time.

Medicare Supplement Plan G Costs in 2026

Plan G premiums are not set by Medicare. Each insurance carrier sets its own rates, and they can vary significantly by age, gender, state, and carrier. Shopping around is essential, since the benefits are federally standardized and only the price changes from one insurer to the next.

Typical Monthly Premium Ranges in 2026

According to nationwide pricing data, average 2026 Plan G premiums by age are roughly $166/month at age 65, $181/month at age 70, and $205/month at age 75, with actual quotes varying widely by state and carrier. At ages 80 and 85, national averages climb to roughly $252 and $267 per month, respectively.

For a deeper breakdown of pricing methods and state-by-state averages, see our complete guide to Medicare Supplement costs in 2026.

Key Factors That Affect Your Premium

• Age: Premiums increase as you get older. Most carriers use "attained-age" pricing, meaning your rate rises each birthday.
• Gender: Women often pay slightly higher premiums due to longer average lifespans.
• State/Location: Local healthcare costs heavily influence pricing. High-cost states like New York or California can price Plan G significantly higher than states like Iowa or Nebraska. See Medicare Supplement plans by state for regional breakdowns.
• Carrier: For the same standardized benefits, one insurer might charge $50/month more than another. This is the biggest opportunity for savings, so always compare at least 3 to 5 carriers. See our ranking of top Medigap insurance companies for help narrowing the list.
• Tobacco use: Smokers typically pay 10 to 25% higher premiums.

For a side-by-side comparison of how Plan G stacks up against other top Medigap options, see our full guide to the best Medicare supplement plans of 2026. If you'd rather have an expert pre-screen carriers for you, learn how to get Medicare Supplement quotes the smart way.

Plan G vs. Plan N vs. High-Deductible Plan G

Plan G isn't your only Medigap option. Two alternatives are worth seriously considering depending on your health usage and budget.

Plan G vs. Plan N

Plan N is the second most popular Medigap plan in 2026. It costs less per month but comes with trade-offs.

Plan N's lower premium can save you roughly $20 to $50 per month, or about $240 to $600 per year. But if you visit doctors frequently or see specialists who don't accept Medicare assignment, those copays and potential excess charges can quickly close the gap.

Bottom line: Choose Plan G if you want predictable, worry-free costs. Choose Plan N if you're healthy, rarely visit doctors, and want to save on monthly premiums. For a deeper dive, read our full breakdown of Medicare Supplement Plan N.

High-Deductible Plan G

High-Deductible Plan G (HD-G) offers the same comprehensive benefits as standard Plan G, but only kicks in after you've paid $2,950 out of pocket in 2026, a calendar-year deductible that resets every January 1. This deductible includes your Medicare Part B deductible.

HD-G works best for people in their early 60s who are generally healthy, have an HSA or savings cushion, and want to minimize monthly premiums while keeping catastrophic coverage in place. Learn more about whether the lower High-Deductible Plan G premium is worth the risk before deciding. Still weighing Medigap against an alternative? Compare Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage first.

When to Enroll and How to Avoid Medical Underwriting

The single most important date in your Medigap journey is the start of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP). Under federal law, this is a one-time, 6-month window that begins the month you are both age 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window, insurers cannot deny coverage, charge more for health history, or impose pre-existing condition waiting periods. Our Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment guide walks through every deadline in detail.

After this window closes, most states allow carriers to use full medical underwriting to deny applicants or raise premiums. However, a growing number of states offer additional guaranteed-issue protections:

• Birthday rule states: As of 2026, 15 states (including a new West Virginia rule effective June 1, 2026, and Indiana's rule effective January 1, 2026) allow Medigap enrollees an annual window around their birthday to switch to a plan with equal or lesser benefits with no underwriting.
• Year-round guaranteed issue: New York and Connecticut allow Medigap enrollment any time of year without underwriting.
• Federal trial rights: If you joined Medicare Advantage at first eligibility and want to drop it within 12 months, you have a federal guaranteed-issue right back to most Medigap plans.

If you're considering moving from Medicare Advantage to Medigap, read our step-by-step guide on how to switch from Medicare Advantage to Medigap and what to expect from Medigap underwriting health questions outside of guaranteed-issue periods.

FAQ: Medicare Supplement Plan G

Is Medicare Supplement Plan G worth it in 2026?

For most new Medicare enrollees, Plan G is widely considered the best value in Medigap coverage. After paying the $283 Part B deductible, Plan G covers nearly 100% of remaining Medicare-approved costs, giving you complete financial predictability. The peace of mind alone is worth it for many retirees, especially those with chronic conditions or frequent healthcare needs.

How much does Medicare Supplement Plan G cost per month?

Standard Plan G premiums in 2026 typically range from $140 to $260 per month depending on your age, gender, state, and the insurance carrier you choose. National averages run about $166/month at age 65 and $205/month at age 75. Rates can vary by $50 or more between carriers for the exact same coverage, making it critical to shop and compare.

What is the difference between Plan G and Plan N?

Plan G covers all Medicare cost-sharing after the Part B deductible with no copays, while Plan N charges up to $20 for office visits and up to $50 for ER visits if not admitted. Plan N also does not cover Part B excess charges. Plan N typically costs $20 to $50 less per month than Plan G, and the right choice depends on how often you use healthcare services.

What is High-Deductible Plan G and who should consider it?

High-Deductible Plan G requires you to pay a $2,950 deductible in 2026 before the plan begins covering costs, but in exchange, monthly premiums are dramatically lower (roughly $52 to $135 per month). It's best suited for healthy enrollees who rarely need medical care and have the savings to cover potential out-of-pocket costs. Once the deductible is met, coverage is identical to standard Plan G.

When should I enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan G to avoid medical underwriting?

You should enroll during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which is a 6-month window that begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurers are legally required to offer you coverage regardless of your health history, with no medical underwriting, no denials, and no higher rates due to pre-existing conditions. If you miss this window and try to enroll later, most states allow carriers to deny coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health.