Medicare Supplement Plan N vs Plan G: Which One is Better?
If you’re turning 65 soon and considering a Medigap plan, you may be wondering, what’s the difference between Medicare Plan N vs Plan G? In my experience as a Medicare insurance broker, I’m seeing growing interest in Medicare Supplement Plan N. There are several reasons for this, including:
- Lower monthly premiums compared to Plan G
- Rising rates on Medigap Plan G
- Great value for someone who doesn’t visit the doctor much
- Broad access to networks, like other Medigap plans
The purpose of this guide is to help those of you who are strongly considering a Medicare Supplement plan. Perhaps you’ve heard of the popularity of Medigap Plan G but noticed recent interest from a family or friend in Medigap Plan N.
Whether you’re turning 65 and transitioning to Medicare or you’re thinking about switching from Medicare Supplement plan G to Medicare Supplement plan N, I trust you’ll find this guide helpful.
What Are Medicare Supplement Plans?
Before comparing Medicare Plan N and Plan G side by side, it’s helpful to understand what Medicare Supplement plans are and why many people choose them.
Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, have been available since 1966. They were created to cover the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t, things like Part A deductibles and Part B coinsurance.
Today, most states offer 10 standardized Medigap plans. They all work alongside Original Medicare and give you access to any provider that accepts Medicare, without networks or referrals. That simplicity and flexibility are a big part of what makes them so popular.
Medicare Plan G Overview
Medicare Supplement Plan G is often considered one of the most comprehensive Medigap plans currently available. It gained popularity after Plan F was phased out for people who became eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020. Plan G is designed to cover nearly all of the gaps left behind by Original Medicare — the only out-of-pocket cost you’ll be responsible for is the Medicare Part B deductible.
In 2025, that deductible is $257. Once that’s paid, Plan G generally picks up the rest. This includes hospital costs, outpatient procedures, lab work, skilled nursing, and more. It’s a great option for people who want predictable costs and broad protection without worrying about networks or referrals.
Medicare Plan N Overview
Medicare Supplement Plan N is another popular Medigap option, especially for people who are healthy and want to save on monthly premiums. Like Plan G, it offers strong protection, but with a few trade-offs that keep the cost lower.
Plan N doesn’t cover Medicare Part B excess charges. These are additional fees that providers can charge if they don’t accept Medicare assignment. They’re not extremely common, but they do exist. Plan N also includes small copays — up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for ER visits if you’re not admitted.
For someone in good health who doesn’t visit the doctor often, these trade-offs may be worth the savings on the monthly premium.
Key Differences Between Medicare Plan N and Plan G
While both plans offer strong coverage and access to the full Medicare network, there are a few key differences worth pointing out:
- Excess Charges: Plan G covers them. Plan N does not.
- Office Visit Copays: Plan G doesn’t have any. Plan N allows up to $20 per visit.
- ER Visit Copays: Plan G covers it in full. Plan N has up to a $50 copay if you’re not admitted.
- Monthly Premium: Plan N is generally lower than Plan G.
- Out-of-Pocket Predictability: Plan G is more predictable. Plan N can vary slightly based on usage.
If you’re comparing based on simplicity and peace of mind, Plan G usually wins. If you’re focused on saving money and don’t mind the occasional small bill, Plan N is worth a serious look.
Cost Comparison
Now, let’s examine the cost difference between Medicare Plan N and Plan G. Please note that these rates vary by age, state, tobacco status, and company. For a customized Medigap quote, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
In this guide, I’m going to compare Medigap Plan N and Medigap Plan G for a 65-year-old female living in Dallas, Texas.
Medicare Supplement Monthly Premium Comparison – Texas
| Plan Type | Lowest Quote | Highest Quote | Average | Estimated Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G | $117.27 | $127.80 | $124.07 | $1,489–$1,534 |
| Plan N | $86.65 | $93.48 | $89.57 | $1,040–$1,122 |
If you examine the numbers, the potential savings between Plan G and Plan N really stand out. Plan G costs around $1,407 to $1,534 per year, while Plan N is slightly lower, at roughly $1,040 to $1,122. That’s a difference of about $285 to $494 per year. And that’s just on premiums. For someone in good health who doesn’t visit the doctor often, that kind of savings can make Plan N a strong option without compromising access to the full Medicare network.
Real-World Scenarios
I came across a couple of real-life examples that match what I’ve seen in my own experience helping clients.
One person shared that they’ve had Plan N for over two years with no premium increases in Illinois. They usually pay around $20 for doctor visits, sometimes even less. Overall, they said their total costs have been lower than what they would have paid with Plan G. That lines up with what I see for people in good health who don’t have a lot of appointments.
Another person put it this way. Plan N is ideal if you want to save money and don’t mind occasional copays. They mentioned that excess charges can be easily avoided if you check with your doctor ahead of time. They also pointed out that many states don’t even allow those extra fees.
It’s good to hear stories like these because they remind us that the cheaper plan isn’t always riskier. For the right person, it really can work just fine.
Can You Switch Between Plan G and Plan N?
If you’ve made it this far through the guide, you may be wondering, if I currently have Medicare Plan G, can I switch to Medigap Plan N? It’s possible under the right circumstances. Here’s what I mean. You can switch Medigap plans and companies at any time throughout the year. However, it’s important to remember that if you don’t have guaranteed issue rights, you’ll most likely be subject to underwriting on the new plan. This is a normal process. If you’re relatively healthy, it shouldn’t be a problem. I even chat with folks before doing this to help them understand what the underwriting process looks like, including some of the sample health questions. Keep in mind, you’ll also have to permit them to check your health history and doctors or specialists you’ve been to in the last few years.
Frequently Asked Questions
I thought it would be helpful to share some of the common questions I hear from people considering Medicare Plan N vs Plan G.
Do both plans let me see any doctor?
Yes. Both Plan G and Plan N work with any provider that accepts Medicare. No networks. No referrals. Same nationwide access.
What are excess charges and should I worry about them?
Excess charges happen when a doctor doesn’t accept Medicare assignment and bills up to 15% more. They’re rare, and some states don’t allow them at all. If you’re concerned, just ask your doctor before your visit.
Can I switch from Plan N to Plan G later?
You can apply to switch, but outside your open enrollment window you may have to answer health questions. That’s why it’s smart to think long term when choosing a plan.
Is there a difference in how claims are handled?
No. Both plans work the same behind the scenes. Medicare pays its part first, then your supplement plan pays next. Nothing changes based on which one you have.
Which plan is better if I travel a lot?
Both include foreign travel emergency coverage (up to $50,000 lifetime). And both give you access to any Medicare provider nationwide while you’re in the U.S.
What if I’m really healthy now?
That’s exactly why some people choose Plan N. If you don’t go to the doctor often and don’t mind an occasional copay, the premium savings can add up.
Final Thoughts
After talking to countless people about their Medicare, I know choosing a Medicare plan isn’t easy. At the end of the day, if you talk it through with a trusted Medicare broker who helps you review all your plan options, you’ll know in your gut which plan is right for you. The stressful time is usually the transition into Medicare but most of my clients find they are very happy with their coverage after talking it through.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out anytime.
Licensed Insurance Agent Specializing in Medicare Coverage
Serving clients nationwide since 2018 | Licensed in 20+ states
I’ve been helping people turning 65 make sense of Medicare since 2018. I’m licensed and certified in multiple states and offer remote meetings to make the process simple and pressure-free, so you can choose a plan with confidence.