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Medigap Plan G vs. Plan N vs. Plan F: Which Supplemental Plan Fits You Best?

If you’re comparing Medigap Plan G, Plan N, and Plan F, you’re probably trying to answer one question: Which plan gives me the most predictable coverage for the money I’ll pay in premiums and out‑of‑pocket costs?

First, a quick eligibility check

Before you go deep into the details, confirm this:

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Plan F: Only available if you were first eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Plan G and Plan N: Available to all people enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, regardless of when you became eligible.

If you’re new to Medicare after that date, you’re really choosing between Plan G and Plan N.

What each plan covers: the core differences

All three plans help pay the gaps in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Here’s how they differ on the key cost items most people care about:

Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs:
Covered by Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N.
Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment:
- Plan F: Covers 100%.
- Plan G: Covers 100% after you meet the Part B deductible.
- Plan N: Covers most Part B coinsurance, but you pay copays up to a set amount for some office visits and emergency room visits (unless you’re admitted).
Part A deductible:
Fully covered by Plan F and Plan G; typically covered by Plan N as well.
Part B deductible:
- Plan F: Covers the annual Part B deductible.
- Plan G and Plan N: Do not cover it. You pay that deductible yourself each year.
Part B excess charges (when a provider doesn’t accept Medicare assignment and can bill extra within legal limits):
- Plan F and Plan G: Cover Part B excess charges.
- Plan N: Does not cover excess charges; you may owe the difference if your provider bills above the Medicare‑approved amount.
Foreign travel emergency (up to plan limits):
Typically covered in all three plans, subject to limits and cost‑sharing.

How to think about premiums vs. out‑of‑pocket risk

In general:

Plan F usually has the highest premium, because it covers the Part B deductible and almost all Medicare‑approved costs. Your out‑of‑pocket spending for covered services is very low and predictable.
Plan G typically has a lower premium than Plan F, and the only routine gap compared with Plan F is the Part B deductible, which you pay once per year. For many people, Plan G often becomes more cost‑efficient than Plan F when available.
Plan N usually has a lower premium than Plan G, but you trade that for:
- Paying the Part B deductible yourself
- Copays for some doctor and ER visits
- Possible excess charges if you see providers who don’t accept Medicare assignment

Which plan is usually a better fit?

Plan F may fit you if:
- You’re eligible for it (Medicare‑eligible before 2020)
- You value maximum simplicity and predictability and are willing to pay more each month
Plan G may fit you if:
- You want strong coverage with fewer surprises
- You’re comfortable paying one annual Part B deductible, then having nearly all other Medicare‑approved costs covered
Plan N may fit you if:
- You want a lower monthly premium
- You don’t mind copays and are willing to manage potential excess charges by choosing providers carefully

The best choice comes down to your budget, your tolerance for out‑of‑pocket variability, and whether you regularly see specialists or providers who might charge above Medicare’s approved amount. Comparing your local premiums for Plan F (if eligible), Plan G, and Plan N side by side — and weighing them against the Part B deductible and expected copays — will usually make the right option stand out.