Medicare Supplement Plan G is a standardized Medigap policy sold by private insurers to cover out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn't pay. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services sets Plan G benefits, so coverage is identical across all insurers. Only premiums differ. Plan G is the most complete Medicare Supplement option for beneficiaries who enrolled in Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, when Plan F closed to new enrollees.
Medicare Supplement Plan G: Coverage, Costs, Pros & Cons
Updated: March 14, 2026
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Key Takeaways
Medicare Supplement Plan G covers all Original Medicare cost gaps except the annual Part B deductible of $283 in 2026.
Plan G monthly costs range from $196 to $306 for 65-year-olds, depending on the insurer's pricing method.
Unlike Plan F, Plan G is open to Medicare beneficiaries who enrolled on or after January 1, 2020.
Plan G covers Part B excess charges that Plan N does not, an important difference for frequent specialist visits.
What Is a Plan G Medicare Supplement?
What Does Medicare Supplement Plan G Cover?
Plan G covers eight standardized benefits set by CMS for 2026. These benefits cover the out-of-pocket cost gaps that Original Medicare Parts A and B leave behind, including hospital stays, skilled nursing care and emergency care outside the U.S. The one gap Plan G doesn't fill is the annual Part B deductible of $283. Once you pay that, Plan G covers approved costs across all eight benefit areas below.
Medicare Part A Co-Insurance and Hospital Costs
Covers all Part A hospital co-insurance costs, including up to 365 extra days of inpatient care after Medicare benefits are used up.
Medicare Part B Co-Insurance or Copay
Pays your 20% share of approved costs for doctor visits, outpatient services and lab tests after Medicare covers its 80%.
Blood: First Three Pints per Year
Covers the cost of the first three pints of blood each calendar year, which Original Medicare does not cover.
Part A Hospice Care Co-Insurance or Copay
Covers your share of Medicare-approved hospice services under Part A, including drugs for pain and symptom relief.
Skilled Nursing Facility Co-Insurance
Pays the daily co-insurance of $217 for days 21 to 100 of a Medicare-covered skilled nursing facility stay in 2026, per CMS.gov.
Medicare Part A Deductible
Covers the $1,736 Part A deductible per benefit period in 2026, per CMS.gov, protecting you from repeated hospital billing across benefit periods.
Part B Excess Charges
Pays amounts above the Medicare-approved rate when a provider doesn't accept Medicare assignment. Providers can legally charge up to 15% above the approved rate.
Foreign Travel Emergency Care
Covers 80% of medically necessary emergency care costs outside the U.S. after a $250 deductible, up to a $50,000 lifetime limit.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Medicare Supplement Plan G?
Plan G provides broad cost protection with fewer out-of-pocket surprises than most other Medigap plans. But it costs more per month than lower-tier options and doesn't cover the Part B deductible or prescriptions. How often you use health care and whether your providers accept Medicare assignment are the two main factors to weigh when deciding if Plan G's near-complete coverage is worth the premium.
Benefits and Disadvantages of Plan G
- Covers the Part A deductible ($1,736 per benefit period in 2026), protecting you from repeated hospital billing if multiple benefit periods begin in a single year
- Pays Part B excess charges that Plan N skips, valuable if you see specialists who don't accept Medicare assignment
- Accepted by any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare with no network restrictions
- No referrals needed to see any specialist
- Covers 80% of emergency medical costs abroad after a $250 deductible, up to a $50,000 lifetime limit
- Does not cover the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), which you pay out of pocket each year
- Monthly premiums rise with age under Attained Age Pricing, the most common pricing method
- Doesn't include prescription drugs and requires a separate Part D plan for medications
- Higher monthly premiums than Plan N for beneficiaries who rarely see out-of-assignment doctors
- Not available to beneficiaries who enrolled in Medicare before January 1, 2020; Plan F may apply to those enrollees
How Much Does Medicare Supplement Plan G Cost?
Premiums for Plan G vary by age, insurer and pricing method. Three pricing structures affect how much you pay now and how costs change over time. MoneyGeek's 2026 rate analysis shows average monthly costs range from $196 to $306 for 65-year-olds and $262 to $327 for 75-year-olds. Compare multiple insurers during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period to see how Plan G costs compare across all three pricing methods in your state.
65 | $196/month | $239/month | $306/month |
75 | $262/month | $313/month | $327/month |
*Attained Age Pricing starts lowest but rises annually as you age. With Issue Age Pricing, your rate locks in at enrollment and won't increase just because you get older. Community Pricing charges every enrollee in a geographic area the same rate regardless of when they sign up.
How Is Medicare Supplement Plan G Different from Plan F and Plan N?
Plan G, Plan F and Plan N are three of the most common Medigap plans, but each covers a different set of cost gaps. Plan F is the most complete option but isn't available to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. At a lower monthly premium, Plan N still applies copays for doctor and emergency room visits and doesn't cover Part B excess charges. Plan G covers more gaps than Plan N and is available to all current Medicare beneficiaries.
Part B deductible covered | Yes | No | No |
Part B excess charges covered | Yes | Yes | No |
Part B co-insurance covered | Yes | Yes | Yes (with copays) |
Office visit copay | None | None | Up to $20 |
Emergency room copay | None | None | Up to $50 |
Skilled nursing facility co-insurance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Foreign travel emergency care | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Available to 2020+ enrollees | No | Yes | Yes |
Is Medicare Supplement Plan G Right for You?
Plan G works best for people who want broad cost protection without tracking network restrictions or referrals. It's a good fit if you see specialists regularly, travel internationally or have health conditions that lead to frequent hospital stays.
Plan G may not be worth the higher premium if you're in good health and rarely see out-of-assignment doctors. In that case, Plan N lowers your monthly costs without leaving you exposed to most Medicare gaps.
New Medicare Enrollees (Eligible January 1, 2020 or Later)
Plan G is the most complete Medigap option available to new enrollees, covering all Original Medicare gaps except the $283 annual Part B deductible.
Frequent Specialist Visitors
Plan G covers Part B excess charges that Plan N doesn't, protecting you from extra billing when specialists don't accept Medicare assignment.
International Travelers
Coverage includes 80% of medically necessary emergency care outside the U.S. after a $250 deductible, up to a $50,000 lifetime limit.
People With Frequent Hospital Stays
Your Part A deductible of $1,736 per benefit period in 2026 is covered under Plan G, per CMS.gov, protecting you if multiple benefit periods begin in a single year.
Beneficiaries Who Want No Network Restrictions
Plan G is accepted by every Medicare-participating provider in the country. No referral or prior authorization is required to see any specialist.
CONSIDER OTHER OPTIONS: PLAN N, HIGH DEDUCTIBLE PLAN G, PLAN F AND MEDICARE ADVANTAGE
Plan G isn't the only way to fill Original Medicare's cost gaps. Depending on your health care use, budget and location, these alternatives may serve you better:
- Plan N costs less per month than Plan G and covers the Part A deductible, skilled nursing facility co-insurance and most Part B co-insurance. It applies copays of up to $20 for office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits and doesn't cover Part B excess charges. MoneyGeek's best Medicare Supplement plans comparison shows Plan N carries lower average rates than Plan G for both 65- and 75-year-olds.
- High Deductible Plan G carries a lower monthly premium in exchange for paying the first $2,950 of Medicare-approved costs yourself in 2026, per CMS.gov. Once you meet that deductible, coverage works identically to standard Plan G. This option works well for beneficiaries who are in good health and want a lower monthly payment with a predictable annual out-of-pocket cap.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare with an all-in-one plan that often includes drug, dental and vision coverage. It uses provider networks and may require referrals. Unlike Medigap, Medicare Advantage plans require annual enrollment review. The best Medicare Advantage plans vary widely by state, so compare local options alongside Medigap before deciding.
- Plan F covers everything Plan G covers plus the Part B deductible of $283 in 2026. It's only available to beneficiaries who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you enrolled before that date, Plan F may lower your annual out-of-pocket costs if the premium difference with Plan G is less than $283 per year.
Medicare Supplement Plan G: FAQ
We've answered the most frequently asked questions about Medicare Supplement Plan G coverage, costs and eligibility:
What Are the Disadvantages of Medicare Supplement Plan G?
Plan G doesn't cover the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) or prescription drugs. You need a separate Medicare Part D plan for drug coverage. Under Attained Age Pricing, premiums also rise each year, increasing your long-term monthly cost as you age.
What Is the Monthly Cost for Medicare Supplement Plan G?
Plan G costs average $196 per month at age 65 under Attained Age Pricing and up to $306 per month under Community Pricing, per MoneyGeek's 2026 rate analysis. Costs average $262 to $327 per month at age 75 depending on pricing method.
What Is the Difference Between Plan F and G?
Plan F covers the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) while Plan G does not. Plan F is also unavailable to beneficiaries who enrolled in Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. Otherwise, both plans cover the same Medicare gaps.
Who Can Sign up for Plan G?
Any Medicare beneficiary enrolled in Parts A and B can buy Plan G. Guaranteed acceptance applies during your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts the month you turn 65 and enroll in Part B.
What Is the Best Time to Buy Medicare Supplement Plan G?
Buy Plan G during your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts when you turn 65 and enroll in Part B. Insurers can't deny coverage or charge more based on your health status during this window.
Does Medicare Supplement Plan G Cover Prescriptions?
Prescription drugs aren't covered under Plan G. You need a separate Part D plan for medications. You can enroll in Part D during your Initial Enrollment Period or the annual Medicare Open Enrollment from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.
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About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
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