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MEDIGAP PLAN F, vs PLAN G, vs PLAN N
- Michael Braden
- Jan 12
- 5 min read
Michael T. Braden, November 29, 2025 MEDICARE SUPPLEMENTS
MEDIGAP PLANS F, G, & N ARE FAR AND AWAY THE BEST MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLANS IN AMERICA
Medicare Supplement Plans F, G, and N are the three most popular Medigap Plans in the United States. Plan F has long been the Cadillac of Medigap Plans, but is now available only to those who turned 65 before January 1, 2020.
Even though they have higher Out-Of-Pocket costs, Plan G and Plan N are more cost-effective than Plan F.
Plans F, G, and N have been the most popular Medicare Supplement/Medigap plans for the past five years, and that is unlikely to change over the next 10 years. Many of my clients have begun paying closer attention to High-Deductible Plan G and High-Deductible Plan F. These plans are viewed more favorably by high-net-worth individuals.
WHICH OF THE THREE PLANS IS THE BEST OPTION FOR YOU?
The most comprehensive plan currently available is Medigap Plan F. It covers all Medicare gaps. The next most comprehensive plan is Plan G, which covers nearly as much, with the Part B deductible being the only difference. Finally, Plan N is likely the third most popular plan because it operates similarly to Plan G, except that you pay copays for doctor and ER visits and for your Medicare Part B coverage.
Let’s first look at how Medigap plans are standardized, then discuss the features and benefits of each plan type: F, G, and N.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN WE SAY THAT ALL MEDIGAP PLANS ARE STANDARDIZED
There are currently 10 standard Medigap plans available in most states. (Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have their own plan standards.) However, for consumers, this means that Plan A offered by Company X in Anaheim is identical to Plan A offered by Company Y in Boise. While premiums may differ, benefits and coverage are the same.
Private insurance companies offer Medigap plans, but they are not required to offer all 10 plans. However, any company that provides Medigap coverage must offer Plan A. Also, if it offers more than one plan, it must offer either Medigap Plan C or Plan F in addition to any other plans it provides.
Plan F has been the most popular Medicare Supplement/Medigap Plan in the history of Medicare.
Recent trends show that Plan N has seen the largest increase in New Policies since 2020, with Plan G close behind. Inflation over the past four years has made Medicare beneficiaries more discerning and deliberate when choosing the best Medicare Supplement plan for themselves and their families.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT EACH PLAN
MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLAN F COVERAGE
Medicare Supplement Plan F is the best Medicare Plan for individuals who desire to have the best, comprehensive Medicare Plan available. Your Plan F Premium covers everything from the beginning. Plan F covers both your Part A and Part B deductibles, so you pay nothing before your Medicare benefits are triggered. Plan F makes particularly good common sense if a beneficiary has severe or chronic conditions.
If you’re already enrolled in Plan F or were eligible for Medicare before 2020, you still have access to Plan F. You are grandfathered in.
Personally, I do not think the premium difference is worth the choice between Plan F and Plan G. However, for our parents who have always had Plan F and are in their 80s or 90s, I think staying with Plan F is important. That is the plan they have always known, and it is not worth disrupting the Status Quo.
HERE IS WHAT IS COVERED UNDER MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLAN G
Medicare Supplement Plan G and Medigap Plan G are the same. Plan G is currently outselling most other Medigap plans because it offers the same broad coverage as Plan F except for the Part B deductible, which is $283 in 2026.
The only difference when you compare Medicare Supplement Plan F and Plan G is the deductible. Otherwise, they function just the same.
One crucial feature that Medicare Supplement Plans F and G have over all the other Medigap plans is that these two popular plans are the only Medicare Supplement Plans that offer coverage for Part B excess charges—and that’s important if you want maximum flexibility in choosing your healthcare provider.
When you see a provider that doesn’t participate with Medicare, they can charge up to 15% more than the standard Medicare rate for your services. You will pay this money out of pocket unless you have a Medigap Plan F or Plan G. It’s something to consider if provider choice is essential to you.
There are no plans to phase out Plan G, which is another good point to keep in mind.
When we help beneficiaries explore Medigap plans, we run through Medicare Plan G pros and cons and compare it to other plans, such as Plan N.
WHAT IS COVERED UNDER MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT PLAN N
This is another fast-selling plan because it offers a good balance between protection against catastrophic out-of-pocket expenses and affordable premiums.
Under Medigap Plan N, you have all the same coverage as Plan F except:
No coverage for Part B deductible
No coverage for Part B excess charges
You may have a copay of up to $20 for certain doctor visits and $50 for hospital visits that don’t result in admission.
This is one of the newer plans rolled out in 2010. It’s a good fit for individuals who are comfortable with some cost-sharing in exchange for lower premiums. It’s also not going anywhere, unlike Plan F.
WHAT SHOULD YOU LOOK FOR WHEN COMPARING MEDIGAP PLAN F, vs PLAN G, vs PLAN N
Be sure to consider the type of coverage you think you’ll want over the long term. Here’s why:
In most cases, you do not have a guaranteed right to switch Medigap policies once you’re past your Initial Enrollment Period. Unless exceptional circumstances apply, such as a move out of your policy service area, you do not have a guaranteed right to switch.
After your one-time Medigap Open Enrollment Period expires, you’ll be subject to medical underwriting once you apply for a new plan. That means the insurance company can refuse coverage or charge higher premiums for your plan.
Some states, such as Nevada, Idaho, Illinois, Oregon, and California, have Medicare Supplement Birthday Rules that are more friendly to Medicare Beneficiaries by offering Guaranteed Issue of a new Medigap Policy as long as you apply during the correct enrollment period each year. For most people, this will either be their Birthday or the Anniversary Date of their current Medigap policy. In these states, you can change Medigap plans without medical underwriting or a premium penalty—but only for plans with the same or lower benefits than your existing plan.
WRAPPING THINGS UP
Medicare Supplement plans such as Plan F, G, and N are designed to help cover the gaps in Medicare and pick up those costs for you.
Plan F is no longer available to new beneficiaries, but it is the most comprehensive Supplement plan.
Plan G and Plan N do not cover the Part B deductible, and Plan N has more out-of-pocket costs, but they can be more cost-effective than Plan F.
Photo of Michael Braden's Business Card. Braden Medicare Insurance is a Licensed, Independent Medicare Broker and a CMIP (Certified Medicare Insurance Planner). We are based in Chandler, AZ, and are also licensed in California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas, and Wisconsin.
If you have any questions, would like a second opinion, or have a question about Medicare, please feel free to reach out to us anytime. We will never charge a penny for our time, knowledge, or expertise. Email us @ mike@bradenmedicare.com, call or text us @ (480) 225-1393, or visit us on our website at www.bradenmedicare.com anytime, 25/7.
