Plan G vs Plan N: the break-even maths
How many doctor visits it takes for Plan N's copays to cancel out its lower premium, using example 2026 premiums and the $283 Part B deductible.
Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medigap plans for people new to Medicare. Both cover hospital stays, skilled nursing, and the 20% Part B coinsurance on big bills. The difference is in the small stuff, and that makes it a straightforward maths problem.
What each plan leaves you to pay
| Plan G | Plan N | |
|---|---|---|
| Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) | You pay | You pay |
| Office visit copay | $0 | Up to $20 |
| ER visit not admitted | $0 | Up to $50 |
| Part B excess charges | Covered | Not covered |
The break-even
Premiums vary by insurer, age, ZIP code and rating method, so use your own quotes. As an example, suppose Plan G costs $165 a month and Plan N $125.
The annual premium gap is $480. At up to $20 per visit, you would need about 24 office visits a year with a copay before Plan N costs more than Plan G. Most healthy 65-year-olds see a doctor three to six times a year, so on these numbers Plan N wins comfortably.
The gap between G and N premiums is often larger at older ages and in some states, which pushes the break-even higher still.
Excess charges: the real Plan N risk
Doctors who accept Medicare but not "assignment" can charge up to 15% more than the Medicare-approved amount. Plan G pays that excess; Plan N does not. On a $3,000 Medicare-approved surgery, the excess could be $450.
In practice excess charges are uncommon: the large majority of doctors accept assignment, and several states ban excess charges entirely. Ask your regular doctors whether they accept assignment before choosing N.
Who should lean toward G
- People with chronic conditions who see specialists often.
- People who value predictability and never want to think about a copay.
- Anyone whose doctors do not accept assignment.
Who should lean toward N
- Healthy people with few doctor visits.
- People comfortable paying small, predictable copays to save a few hundred dollars a year.
Switching later
Moving from N to G after your Medigap open enrollment period usually requires medical underwriting, unless your state has special rules. Washington, for example, lets people with a Plan B through N switch to another plan in that group. Details are in our Washington switching guide. For help comparing G and N quotes for Washington, Maru Insurance's Medicare Supplement page explains how they compare carriers.
Questions people ask
Is Plan N cheaper than Plan G overall?
For most healthy people, yes: the premium saving usually exceeds the copays. Run your own quotes.
What are Part B excess charges?
Up to 15% above the Medicare-approved amount that non-assigning doctors may bill. Plan G covers them, Plan N does not.
Do both plans cover hospital stays fully?
Yes. Both cover the Part A deductible and hospital coinsurance.
Can I switch from N to G later?
Usually with medical underwriting, unless a state rule or guaranteed issue right applies.
Independent educational site. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government, the federal Medicare program, or any insurance company. Figures are 2026 amounts published by CMS unless noted; check Medicare.gov for your situation.