Medicare Supplement Plan G vs Plan N: Which Saves More?
Plan N costs $30-50/month less but has copays. Use our calculator to see which saves YOU more.
Quick Answer: Which Should You Choose?
Choose Plan G if: You want comprehensive coverage with no copays and visit the doctor frequently (10+ times/year).
Choose Plan N if: You're healthy with few doctor visits (0-5 times/year) and want to save $30-50/month on premiums.
Which Plan Saves YOU More Money?
Enter your premiums and expected healthcare usage to calculate your total annual costs:
Typical range: $140-$220/month
Typical range: $100-$170/month
Plan N charges up to $20 per visit
Plan N charges $50 per ER visit (waived if admitted)
Your Personalized Annual Cost Comparison
Plan G Total Cost
Plan N Total Cost
🏆 Plan G Saves You More!
Plan G saves you $320 per year
Based on 8 doctor visits and 0 ER visits annually
Coverage Differences: Plan G vs Plan N
| Benefit | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part B Deductible ($226 in 2025) | You Pay | You Pay |
| Doctor Office Visit Copay | $0 | Up to $20 |
| Emergency Room Copay | $0 | $50 (waived if admitted) |
| Part B Excess Charges (up to 15%) | 100% Covered | You Pay 100% |
| Part A Deductible ($1,632 in 2025) | ✓ 100% | ✓ 100% |
| Part A Coinsurance & Hospital Costs | ✓ 100% | ✓ 100% |
| Part B Coinsurance (20%) | ✓ 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 | $140-$220 | $100-$170 |
*Plan N covers Part B coinsurance except for office visit copays (up to $20) and ER copays ($50).
Which Plan Is Right for You?
Choose Plan G If...
- ✓You visit the doctor frequently (10+ times/year)
- ✓You have chronic conditions requiring regular care
- ✓You want zero copays and predictable costs
- ✓You want the most comprehensive coverage available
- ✓You see doctors who may charge excess fees
- ✓You prefer simplicity (no tracking copays)
Choose Plan N If...
- ✓You're generally healthy with few doctor visits (0-5/year)
- ✓You want lower monthly premiums ($30-50/month less)
- ✓You're willing to pay small copays to save on premiums
- ✓You choose doctors who accept Medicare assignment
- ✓You're on a fixed income and budget-conscious
- ✓You don't mind tracking occasional $20 copays
Real-World Cost Scenarios
Sarah, Age 66
Healthy, 3 doctor visits/year
Best Choice: Plan N - Sarah's healthy and rarely visits doctors. Plan N saves her $420/year.
Michael, Age 72
Moderate health, 12 doctor visits/year
Either works: Plans are nearly equal in cost. Michael prefers Plan G for no copays and simplicity.
Linda, Age 78
Chronic conditions, 18 visits/year
Best Choice: Plan G - With frequent visits, Plan G provides better value and predictable costs.
Understanding Part B Excess Charges (Plan N Gap)
Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges. Here's what that means and how to avoid them:
What Are Excess Charges?
Medicare sets an "approved amount" for every medical service. Doctors can charge up to 15% more than the approved amount. This extra 15% is called an "excess charge."
Example: Medicare approves $100 for a procedure. Doctor charges $115 (15% excess). Plan G covers the $15 excess. Plan N does not—you pay the full $15.
How Common Are They?
Excess charges affect less than 1% of Medicare claims. Most doctors accept Medicare assignment (agreed not to charge excess fees).
How to Avoid Them
Ask if your doctor accepts Medicare assignment. If yes, they cannot charge excess fees. Use Medicare.gov's Physician Compare tool to check.
Bottom line: Excess charges are rare and avoidable. For most people with Plan N, this is not a significant concern.
Also Considering Plan F?
If you're eligible for Plan F (became Medicare-eligible before 2020), compare Plan G vs Plan F to see if switching makes sense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Plan G or Plan N?
Plan G is better if you want comprehensive coverage with no copays and visit the doctor frequently (10+ times/year). Plan N is better if you're healthy with few doctor visits (0-5 times/year) and want lower monthly premiums ($30-50/month less). Plan N requires up to $20 copays per doctor visit and $50 emergency room copays.
What are the copays with Plan N?
Plan N has two copayments: up to $20 for doctor office visits and $50 for emergency room visits (waived if admitted to the hospital). Plan N also does not cover Part B excess charges, meaning you pay 100% of charges above Medicare-approved amounts (rare, affecting less than 1% of claims).
How much does Plan N save compared to Plan G?
Plan N premiums are typically $30-50/month lower than Plan G ($360-600/year savings). However, you must factor in Plan N copays. If you visit the doctor 10 times per year, Plan N copays total $200, reducing your savings. The actual savings depend on your healthcare usage.
Is Plan N worth the savings over Plan G?
Plan N is worth it if you're healthy and rarely visit the doctor (0-5 visits/year). The $30-50/month premium savings ($360-600/year) outweighs minimal copays. If you have chronic conditions requiring frequent doctor visits (10+ times/year), Plan G's comprehensive coverage with no copays provides better value and predictable costs.
Can I switch from Plan N to Plan G later?
Yes, but you'll need to pass medical underwriting in most states unless you qualify for a guaranteed issue period. If your health has declined since enrolling in Plan N, you may be denied or charged higher rates for Plan G. Choose carefully during your initial Medigap Open Enrollment Period when you have guaranteed issue rights.
More Plan G Comparisons & Guides
Plan G vs Plan F
Compare Plan G to the discontinued Plan F. See cost differences and why most people save with Plan G.
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 Choose the Right Plan?
Get personalized quotes for both Plan G and Plan N to compare your actual costs.