Medicare Supplement Plan G Guide 2025: Complete Coverage & Cost Analysis
Everything you need to know about Medigap Plan G—the most popular Medicare Supplement plan for new enrollees. Comprehensive coverage, predictable costs, and nationwide doctor access.
What is Medicare Supplement Plan G?
Medicare Supplement Plan G (also called Medigap Plan G) is the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement insurance plan available to new Medicare beneficiaries. Since Plan F was discontinued for those becoming Medicare-eligible after January 1, 2020, Plan G has become the gold standard for Medigap coverage.
Why Plan G is #1 for New Enrollees
- ✓Comprehensive Coverage: Covers all Medicare gaps except the $257 Part B deductible
- ✓Predictable Costs: Only pay the Part B deductible once per year, then $0 out-of-pocket
- ✓Better Value Than Plan F: Lower premiums that more than offset the $257 deductible
- ✓No Networks: See any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare nationwide
- ✓Standardized Benefits: Plan G benefits are identical across all insurance carriers
Plan G works alongside Original Medicare Part A and Part B to cover the out-of-pocket costs that Medicare doesn't pay, including deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. You'll need to add a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan since Medigap doesn't cover prescriptions.
Complete Plan G Coverage Breakdown
Here's exactly what Medicare Supplement Plan G covers—and doesn't cover:
✅What Plan G Covers
- Part A Deductible:$1,676 per benefit period (2025)
- Part A Coinsurance:Hospital days 61-90 & lifetime reserve days
- Part A Hospice:Coinsurance and copayments
- Part B Coinsurance:20% of Medicare-approved costs
- Part B Excess:Up to 15% above Medicare rates
- Blood:First 3 pints per year
- Skilled Nursing:Coinsurance days 21-100
- Foreign Travel:80% of emergency care (up to $50K lifetime)
❌What Plan G Doesn't Cover
- Part B Deductible:$257/year (2025) - Only gap in coverage
- Prescriptions:Need separate Part D plan
- Dental:Routine dental care not covered
- Vision:Eye exams and glasses not covered
- Hearing:Hearing aids not covered
- Long-term Care:Custodial care not covered
Note: For prescriptions, add Medicare Part D. For dental/vision, consider standalone plans.
💡 Plan G Coverage in Practice
After you pay the $257 Part B deductible once per year, Plan G covers 100% of your Medicare-approved healthcare costs. No copays, no coinsurance, no surprises.
Example: You have a $10,000 surgery. Medicare Part B covers 80% ($8,000). Without Plan G, you'd pay 20% ($2,000) + the $257 deductible = $2,257 out-of-pocket. With Plan G, you pay just the $257 deductible, saving $2,000.
How Much Does Plan G Cost?
Average Plan G Premiums
Important: Premiums vary significantly based on your location, age (in most states), tobacco use, and which insurance carrier you choose. Always compare multiple carriers to find the best rate.
Factors That Affect Plan G Costs
📍 Geographic Location
Your zip code has the biggest impact on premiums. Urban areas and high-cost-of-living states typically have higher rates. For example, Plan G in Texas averages $145/month vs. $250+ in New York.
🎂 Age & Rating Method
Most states use one of three rating methods:
🏥 Insurance Carrier
Plan G benefits are standardized (identical across all carriers), but premiums can vary by $50-$100+/month for the exact same coverage. Always compare quotes from multiple carriers like AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, Humana, and Anthem.
🚬 Tobacco Use
Tobacco users typically pay 15-25% higher premiums. Some carriers offer discounts if you quit smoking and remain tobacco-free for 12+ months.
💳 Discounts Available
Ask about household discounts (if spouse also buys Medigap), annual payment discounts (pay yearly vs. monthly), and electronic funds transfer (EFT) discounts. These can save 5-10% on premiums.
Want to see your exact Plan G cost? Get personalized quotes from multiple carriers in 60 seconds.
Get Free Plan G QuotesPlan G vs Other Medicare Supplement Plans
Plan G vs Plan F: Which is Better?
| Feature | Plan G | Plan F |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | ✅ All new enrollees | ❌ Only if eligible before 1/1/2020 |
| Average Premium | $150-$200/month | $170-$230/month |
| Part B Deductible ($257) | ❌ You pay | ✅ Covered |
| All Other Coverage | ✅ 100% covered | ✅ 100% covered |
| Annual Total Cost | ~$2,157/year | ~$2,280/year |
Bottom Line: Plan G typically saves you $100-$200/year compared to Plan F while providing nearly identical coverage. For new enrollees, Plan G is the clear winner.
Plan G vs Plan N: When to Choose Each
Choose Plan G If You:
- ✓ Want maximum coverage with zero surprises
- ✓ See specialists or have frequent doctor visits
- ✓ Have chronic conditions requiring regular care
- ✓ Prefer predictable costs (only the $257 deductible)
- ✓ Can afford $150-$200/month premiums
- ✓ Value peace of mind over premium savings
Best for: Those who want the most comprehensive coverage available
Choose Plan N If You:
- ✓ Want to save $20-$40/month on premiums
- ✓ Are generally healthy with infrequent doctor visits
- ✓ Don't mind $20 office copays and $50 ER copays
- ✓ Can handle occasional Part B excess charges
- ✓ Prefer lower fixed monthly costs
- ✓ Are comfortable with minor out-of-pocket expenses
Best for: Healthy seniors who want great coverage at a lower premium
Premium Difference: Plan N typically costs $120-$160/month (vs. $150-$200 for Plan G), saving you $30-$40/month but requiring small copays per visit.
Plan G vs High-Deductible Plan G
High-Deductible Plan G offers the same benefits as regular Plan G but with much lower premiums ($40-$60/month) and a high deductible ($2,800 in 2025).
Regular Plan G
- • Premium: $150-$200/month
- • Deductible: $257/year (Part B only)
- • Best for: Frequent healthcare users
High-Deductible Plan G
- • Premium: $40-$60/month
- • Deductible: $2,800/year (all costs)
- • Best for: Healthy, infrequent users
When to choose HD Plan G: If you're very healthy and rarely need medical care, the lower premium ($480-$720/year) vs. regular Plan G ($1,800-$2,400/year) can save you money even if you hit the $2,800 deductible.
Not sure which plan is right for you? Use our free comparison tool to see all your options side-by-side.
Compare All Medigap PlansHow to Enroll in Plan G
Best Time to Enroll: Medigap Open Enrollment Period
6-Month Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP)
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is the best time to buy Plan G. It begins the month you turn 65 AND are enrolled in Medicare Part B, and lasts for 6 months.
During this period, you have guaranteed issue rights:
- ✓ Cannot be denied coverage for any health reason
- ✓ Cannot be charged higher premiums due to pre-existing conditions
- ✓ Can buy any Medigap plan available in your state
- ✓ Protected from medical underwriting
⚠️ What if You Miss the Open Enrollment Period?
You can still apply for Plan G outside your OEP, but you'll face medical underwriting. Insurance companies can:
- • Review your health history and current conditions
- • Deny your application based on pre-existing conditions
- • Charge higher premiums due to health issues
- • Impose waiting periods for certain conditions
Exception: You may qualify for guaranteed issue rights in certain situations (losing employer coverage, moving out of a Medicare Advantage plan's service area, etc.). Learn more about Medicare Supplement options.
Step-by-Step Enrollment Process
Confirm Your Medicare Eligibility
Ensure you're enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. You cannot buy Medigap without both parts active.
Shop and Compare Plan G Rates
Get quotes from 3-5 carriers. Remember: Plan G benefits are identical, so focus on price, carrier reputation, and customer service.
Complete Your Application
Apply during your Open Enrollment Period for guaranteed acceptance. Applications typically take 15-20 minutes and can be done online, by phone, or by mail.
Choose Your Effective Date
Coverage typically starts on the 1st of the month following your application approval. Coordinate with any existing coverage to avoid gaps.
Set Up Premium Payments
Most carriers offer automatic bank drafts (EFT) with a small discount. You'll also need to continue paying your Medicare Part B premium ($185/month in 2025).
Ready to enroll in Plan G? Our licensed agents will help you compare carriers, find the lowest rates, and complete your application—all at no cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plan G
What does Medicare Supplement Plan G cover?
Plan G covers nearly all Medicare out-of-pocket costs except the Part B deductible ($257 in 2025). It includes: Part A hospital deductible ($1,676), Part A coinsurance, Part B coinsurance (20%), Part B excess charges (up to 15%), skilled nursing facility coinsurance, hospice coinsurance, first 3 pints of blood, and foreign travel emergency coverage (80% up to $50K lifetime).
How much does Plan G cost per month?
Plan G premiums average $150-$200 per month nationally but vary significantly by location, age, tobacco use, and insurance carrier. Low-cost states like Texas, Iowa, and Arizona see rates as low as $120-$150/month, while high-cost states like New York, Florida, and Connecticut can exceed $250/month.
Cost factors: Your specific rate depends on your zip code, age (in most states), tobacco use, rating method (attained-age, issue-age, or community-rated), and which carrier you choose. Always compare multiple carriers to find the best rate.
Is Plan G better than Plan F?
Yes, Plan G is now considered superior to Plan F for most people. Here's why:
- • Availability: Plan F is no longer available to those Medicare-eligible after January 1, 2020
- • Lower Premiums: Plan G typically costs $20-$40/month less than Plan F
- • Better Value: The premium savings ($240-$480/year) far exceed the $257 Part B deductible you pay
- • Nearly Identical Coverage: The only difference is the $257 deductible—everything else is covered
Bottom line: You save money with Plan G while getting virtually the same comprehensive coverage.
When can I enroll in Plan G?
The best time to enroll is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins when you turn 65 AND are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period:
- ✓ You have guaranteed issue rights (cannot be denied)
- ✓ Cannot be charged higher premiums for pre-existing conditions
- ✓ No medical underwriting required
You can enroll outside this period, but you'll face medical underwriting unless you qualify for guaranteed issue rights (losing employer coverage, certain Medicare Advantage situations, etc.).
Do I need Plan G if I have Medicare Advantage?
No, you cannot have both Medicare Advantage and Plan G at the same time. They are two different ways to get Medicare coverage:
Plan G + Original Medicare:
Supplements Original Medicare Part A & B with comprehensive gap coverage
Medicare Advantage:
Replaces Original Medicare entirely with a private plan (usually HMO or PPO)
If you currently have Medicare Advantage and want to switch to Plan G, you can do so during specific enrollment periods. However, you may face medical underwriting unless you qualify for guaranteed issue rights.
Need help deciding? See our complete Medigap vs Medicare Advantage comparison guide for a detailed side-by-side analysis of costs, coverage, and provider networks.
Can I switch from Plan G to another Medigap plan later?
Yes, you can switch Medigap plans at any time, but with important caveats:
- • Medical Underwriting: Outside your initial 6-month OEP, you'll face medical underwriting and can be denied or charged higher rates
- • Guaranteed Issue Rights: In certain situations (moving to a new state, your current carrier goes bankrupt, etc.), you have guaranteed issue rights to switch
- • Same Plan Switching: You can switch carriers for the same plan (Plan G to Plan G) anytime, but still face underwriting
Pro tip: Choose carefully during your initial enrollment period, as it's much harder to make changes later.
Does Plan G cover prescription drugs?
No, Plan G does not cover prescription drugs. You'll need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D prescription drug plan if you want prescription coverage.
Typical setup: Original Medicare (Parts A & B) + Plan G (Medigap) + Part D (prescriptions) provides comprehensive coverage for medical care and prescriptions. Part D plans average $30-$50/month depending on your coverage needs.
Are Plan G benefits the same with all insurance companies?
Yes! Medigap plans are standardized by federal law, which means Plan G benefits are identical regardless of which insurance company you choose. Whether you buy from AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, Humana, Anthem, or any other carrier, you get the exact same coverage.
What varies between carriers: Premiums (rates), customer service quality, claims processing speed, and additional perks (like gym memberships or wellness programs). Always compare rates from multiple carriers since you're getting identical coverage.
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