Medicare Supplement Plan G vs Plan F: 2025 Comparison
Plan G saves $20-40/month with nearly identical coverage. See the difference and decide if switching makes sense.
Quick Answer: Which Is Better?
Plan G is better for most people because it costs $20-40/month less than Plan F with nearly identical coverage. The only difference is Plan G requires you to pay the $226 Part B deductible annually, while Plan F covers it. However, the premium savings with Plan G ($240-480/year) typically exceed the $226 deductible, making Plan G more cost-effective.
The Only Coverage Difference
Plan F
Plan G
That's it! Everything else is 100% identical between Plan F and Plan G. Both cover Part A deductible, coinsurance, Part B excess charges, blood, hospice, skilled nursing, and foreign travel emergencies.
Cost Comparison Calculator
Enter your current premiums to see which plan saves you more money:
Typical range: $180-$250/month
Typical range: $120-$220/month
Annual Cost Comparison
💰 By switching to Plan G, you could save $134 per year!
That's $11/month in your pocket while keeping nearly identical coverage.
Side-by-Side Coverage Comparison
| Benefit | Plan F | Plan G |
|---|---|---|
| Part B Deductible ($226 in 2025) | ✓ Covered | ✗ You Pay |
| Part A Deductible ($1,632 in 2025) | ✓ 100% | ✓ 100% |
| Part A Coinsurance & Hospital Costs | ✓ 100% | ✓ 100% |
| Part B Coinsurance (20%) | ✓ 100% | ✓ 100% |
| Part B Excess Charges (up to 15%) | ✓ 100% | ✓ 100% |
| Blood (First 3 Pints) | ✓ 100% | ✓ 100% |
| Hospice Care Coinsurance | ✓ 100% | ✓ 100% |
| Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance | ✓ 100% | ✓ 100% |
| Foreign Travel Emergency (80% up to $50,000) | ✓ Covered | ✓ Covered |
| Typical Monthly Premium | $180-$250 | $120-$220 |
Important: Plan F Is Closed to New Enrollees
As of January 1, 2020, Medicare Supplement Plan F is no longer available to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after that date. This change was made by the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015.
Who Can Still Get Plan F?
- ✓People who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020
- ✓Current Plan F policyholders can keep their coverage
- ✗New Medicare beneficiaries (eligible after 2020) cannot purchase Plan F
For new enrollees, Plan G is the most comprehensive Medigap plan available and offers better value than Plan F did.
How to Switch from Plan F to Plan G
✓ Why You Should Switch
- •Save $240-480/year: Plan G premiums are typically $20-40/month lower
- •Nearly identical coverage: Only $226 difference (Part B deductible)
- •Plan F premiums rising faster: Closed pool = higher rate increases
- •Younger Plan G risk pool: Potentially slower premium increases long-term
⚠ What to Consider
- •Medical underwriting required: Must answer health questions
- •May be denied: Pre-existing conditions could affect approval
- •Higher rates if unhealthy: Charged more based on health status
- •Loss of Plan F: Can't easily switch back without underwriting
Step-by-Step Switching Process
Get Plan G Quotes
Compare Plan G rates from multiple carriers in your area. Make sure the savings justify the switch.
Complete Health Questions
Answer the insurance company's medical underwriting questions honestly. Your approval depends on your current health.
Apply for Plan G
Submit your Plan G application. Wait for approval before canceling Plan F.
Confirm Plan G Start Date
Verify when your Plan G coverage begins. Schedule cancellation of Plan F to start the day after Plan G begins (no gaps or overlaps).
Cancel Plan F
Cancel your Plan F policy effective the day your Plan G coverage starts. Get written confirmation of cancellation.
State-Specific Rules: Some states like California have special rules (Birthday Rule) that allow you to switch Medigap plans without medical underwriting within 60 days of your birthday. Check your state's regulations or ask a licensed agent.
Real-World Cost Scenarios
John, Age 65
New to Medicare
Decision: Plan G is John's best option. Plan F isn't available to new enrollees.
Mary, Age 72
Current Plan F holder
Decision: If Mary is healthy enough to pass underwriting, switching saves money.
Robert, Age 80
Current Plan F holder
Decision: Smaller savings, but still worthwhile if Robert can pass underwriting.
Also Considering Plan N?
Plan N offers lower premiums than Plan G with modest copayments. Compare Plan G vs Plan N to see which is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Plan G or Plan F?
Plan G is better for most people because it costs $20-40/month less than Plan F with nearly identical coverage. The only difference is Plan G requires you to pay the $226 Part B deductible annually, while Plan F covers it. However, the premium savings with Plan G ($240-480/year) typically exceed the $226 deductible, making Plan G more cost-effective.
Can I still get Plan F?
Plan F is only available to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you already have Plan F, you can keep it. New Medicare beneficiaries (eligible after 2020) cannot purchase Plan F and should choose Plan G as the most comprehensive alternative.
Should I switch from Plan F to Plan G?
Switching from Plan F to Plan G can save you $240-480 annually if you can pass medical underwriting. The only coverage difference is the $226 Part B deductible. If your Plan F premium is $20-40/month higher than Plan G rates in your area and you're in good health, switching may be worthwhile.
What is the coverage difference between Plan F and Plan G?
The only coverage difference is the Medicare Part B deductible ($226 in 2025). Plan F covers this deductible, Plan G does not. Both plans cover Part A deductible, Part A and B coinsurance, Part B excess charges, blood, hospice, skilled nursing coinsurance, and foreign travel emergencies. Coverage is otherwise identical.
How much does Plan F cost compared to Plan G?
Plan F typically costs $20-40/month more than Plan G ($240-480 more annually). For example, if Plan G costs $170/month, Plan F might cost $200-210/month with the same carrier. Since Plan F only provides $226 more in coverage (the Part B deductible), Plan G is usually more cost-effective.
Will Plan F premiums keep increasing?
Yes, Plan F premiums are expected to increase faster than Plan G because no new enrollees can join Plan F (closed since 2020). As the Plan F risk pool ages without younger, healthier members joining, insurance companies will likely raise premiums more aggressively. This makes switching to Plan G increasingly attractive over time.
More Plan G Comparisons & Guides
Plan G vs Plan N
Compare Plan G to Plan N, which has lower premiums but requires copays for doctor visits and ER.
Plan G Cost Guide
See detailed Plan G costs by age and state, plus use our interactive calculator for personalized estimates.
What Plan G Covers
Detailed coverage breakdown with real-world examples of what Plan G pays for.
Ready to Switch to Plan G and Start Saving?
Get personalized Plan G quotes from multiple carriers and see how much you can save.