The Top 3 Medicare Supplement Plans (AKA Medigap) are Plan G, Plan N, and High Deductible G. Each Medigap plan come with their own balance of coverage, costs, and benefits. In this guide, we’ll break down the differences in plain language, show you what out-of-pocket costs to expect, and explain how each plan works alongside Original Medicare—so you can confidently choose the one that fits your health needs and your budget.
What is a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan?
Original Medicare typically covers about 80% of approved medical costs. That includes doctor visits, outpatient care, and certain medical equipment. But that remaining 20%? That’s on you—and there’s no annual cap on how much you might have to pay out-of-pocket. So let’s say you have a $10,000 medical bill. Medicare may pay around $8,000, but you’d still be responsible for $2,000 plus deductibles. And if you need frequent care or face a hospital stay, those costs can add up fast.
That’s where Medicare Supplement Plans—better known as Medigap—step in. They don’t replace Original Medicare; instead, they work alongside it as your financial safety net. Medigap helps pay the costs Medicare leaves behind, like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
💡 Want to dig deeper? Read our article What Does Medigap Cover? for a full breakdown of benefits.
Here’s another reassuring fact: Medigap plans are standardized by law, which means each plan with the same letter offers identical core benefits no matter which insurance company you choose. What changes is the price and a few extra perks. That’s why the Top 3 Medicare Supplement Plans—Plan G, Plan N, and High Deductible G—are so popular. Each one offers a different balance of cost and coverage, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.
👉 Wondering when to enroll? Our Medigap Open Enrollment Guide explains the best times to enroll and how to avoid penalties.
Plan G – Comprehensive Coverage with Predictable Costs
If you’re someone who likes knowing exactly what to expect—especially when it comes to medical bills—Plan G might be what you need. Plan G is the most popular choice among seniors because it offers nearly complete coverage. It takes care of almost everything Medicare doesn’t—like Part A hospital coinsurance, hospice care, skilled nursing coinsurance, and even foreign travel emergencies (within plan limits). The only cost you’re responsible for is the Part B deductible ($283), which resets each year. Once you meet that, Medigap Plan G pays the rest of your Medicare-approved costs.
Another strong point is convenience. Medicare pays first, and then Plan G automatically steps in—so in most cases, your providers bill Medicare and your Medigap plan directly. That means no chasing reimbursements, no stacks of surprise bills—just smooth, predictable coverage that lets you focus on your health instead of paperwork.
👉 Thinking about whether Plan G is right for you? Use our Instant Medigap Quote Tool to see real prices in your ZIP code, instantly and for free.
Plan N – Lower Premiums with Some Cost Sharing
If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t mind paying a little here and there—as long as your monthly premium stays low—Medigap Plan N might be just what you’re looking for. Like Plan G, it covers most of Medicare’s gaps—including hospital coinsurance, skilled nursing, and hospice care—and you’ll still be responsible for the Part B deductible. The main difference? With Plan N, you’ll share a bit more in costs along the way.
Here’s what to expect: Plan N requires a copay of up to $20 for doctor visits and $50 for ER visits (unless you’re admitted to the hospital). It also doesn’t cover Part B excess charges—but since the majority of doctors accept Medicare assignment, you’ll rarely run into this issue.
💡 Want to see how Plan N stacks up against Plan G? Read our detailed guide Medigap Plan N vs Plan G to see side-by-side comparisons.
The trade-off is simple: lower monthly premiums in exchange for a few small out-of-pocket costs. For many people who are generally healthy, have predictable medical needs, and want a balance between protection and affordability, Plan N hits the sweet spot.
Get a Medigap Quote Enroll in Medigap
High Deductible Plan G – Lower Premiums, Higher Out-of-Pocket Risk
If you like keeping monthly costs as low as possible—and you’re comfortable taking on more upfront risk—High Deductible Plan G might be the right match. It offers the same coverage as standard Plan G, but with a twist: you’ll need to meet a higher yearly deductible before the plan starts paying. For 2024, that deductible is $$2,960.
Once you meet that amount, the plan covers everything a regular Plan G would. That means it can be a smart choice if you’re healthy, don’t visit doctors often, and want to keep your monthly premiums low while still having protection in case of a big medical event.
💡 Want the details on how High Deductible Plan G compares to standard Plan G? Read our article High Deductible Plan G Explained.
It’s worth weighing the trade-offs. The monthly savings are real, but that deductible can feel steep if you have an unexpected year of heavy medical use. That’s why many seniors use our Instant Medigap Quote Tool to compare premiums side by side with Plan N and standard Plan G before making their final choice.
Medigap Plan G vs. Plan N vs. High Deductible G: The Key Differences
Now that we’ve walked through each plan individually, let’s take a step back and compare them side by side. Whether you’re looking for maximum coverage, lower monthly costs, or a balance between the two, each of these Top 3 Medicare Supplement Plans offers something unique.
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N | High Deductible G |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium | Higher | Moderate | Lowest |
| Annual Deductible | Only Part B deductible $283 | Only Part B deductible $283 | $2,960 |
| Doctor Visits | No copay | Up to $20 copay | No copay (after deductible) |
| Emergency Room Visits | No copay | $50 copay (waived if admitted) | No copay (after deductible) |
| Part B Excess Charges | Covered | Not covered | Covered (after deductible) |
| Foreign Travel Emergency | Yes (up to $50K) | Yes (up to $50K) | Yes (after deductible) up to $50K |
💡 Want to compare actual premiums in your ZIP code? Try our Instant Medigap Quote Tool—it’s free, private, and shows real prices from top insurers in your area.
How to Choose the Best Medicare Supplement Plan for You
When it comes to the Top 3 Medicare Supplement Plans, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The “best” plan is simply the one that matches your health needs, your budget, and your peace of mind. For many seniors, Plan G feels reassuring because it offers predictable costs and nearly full coverage. Plan N appeals to those who don’t mind a few small copays in exchange for lower monthly premiums. And High Deductible Plan G is often chosen by people who prefer saving the most on premiums, even if it means covering a higher deductible upfront.
💡 Still deciding? Take a look at our guide Read our guide Medigap Plan N vs Plan G: Cheaper Monthly Premiums, But What’s the Catch? for a side-by-side breakdown.
Switching Between the Top 3 Medicare Supplement Plans
The good news about Medigap is that your choice today doesn’t have to be forever. If your health needs change—or you simply realize another option might fit better—switching between the Top 3 Medicare Supplement Plans is possible. Rules vary by timing and state, but you may have more flexibility than you think.
👉 Not sure if you qualify right now? Our guide Medicare Insurance Switching: Ultimate Guide breaks it all down step by step. And of course, you can always call us at 800-930-7956—our team will help you figure out the best timing for a switch.
Here’s the key: if you switch during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you can do so without answering health questions. Outside of that window, most insurers may require medical underwriting—a health review to decide if they’ll accept your application or adjust your premium. But don’t worry, there are exceptions. For example, California and other states have the Medigap Birthday Rule, while Missouri has theAnniversary Rule, both of which let you change plans each year without underwriting.
💡 Want the details? Check out our Medigap Birthday Rule: Ultimate Guide to Laws in Every State or try our Medigap Underwriting Tool to instantly see your chances of approval.
Top 3 Medicare Supplement Plans: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: So, Which is better, Plan G or Plan N?
A: Both are solid choices—it really comes down to priorities. Plan G gives you almost full coverage with predictable costs, while Plan N saves you money on monthly premiums but adds small copays. For a side-by-side breakdown, read our guide 👉 Medigap Plan G vs. Plan N: How to Choose the Right Plan for Your Needs.
Q: Is High Deductible Plan G really worth it?
A: It can be, especially if you’re generally healthy and don’t see the doctor often. You’ll enjoy much lower monthly premiums, but you’ll need to pay the yearly deductible ($2,960) before coverage kicks in. Curious if the math works for you? Try our Instant Medigap Quote Tool to compare premiums side by side.
Q: Do all insurance companies charge the same for Plan G or Plan N?
A: No. The benefits are standardized—meaning Plan G is the same everywhere—but the prices vary a lot depending on your age, ZIP code, and the company. That’s why shopping around is key. 📌 Learn how to compare insurers in our guide How to Choose a Medigap Company.
Q: Will my doctor accept my Medigap plan?
A: Yes. If your doctor accepts Medicare, they must accept your Medigap plan, no matter which insurance company you choose. That’s one of the biggest advantages of Medigap compared to Medicare Advantage. Want to learn more?👉 Read Medigap vs Medicare Advantage: Which Saves You More? (Source: Medicare.gov)
Q: How much do these plans usually cost?
A: Premiums can range anywhere from about $40 to over $300 a month, depending on your age, location, and insurer. To get accurate pricing where you live, use our Instant Medigap Quote Tool —no personal info required.
Q: Do Medicare Supplement Plans cover prescription drugs?
A: No, Medigap plans don’t include prescription drug coverage. If you take medications, you’ll need a separate Medicare Part D plan. Want the details? Read our article What Medigap Plans Cover Prescription Drugs?
Next Steps: Get a Free Quote and Compare Your Options
Deciding between the Top 3 Medicare Supplement Plans—Plan G, Plan N, and High Deductible G—can feel like a big decisión. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or you’re thinking about switching plans, you don’t have to figure it out alone. At Senior65.com, we’ve spent decades guiding seniors step by step—always with no pressure and no cost:
- Get a free quote in minutes—no obligations, just clear numbers for your ZIP code.
- Already have a plan? Use our Medigap Underwriting Tool to check your chances of approval if you’re considering a switch.
- Prefer to talk to a real person? Call us now at 800-930-7956—our team is friendly, patient, and ready to help.
And here’s something important: no one can offer you a better price for the same Medicare Supplement Plan. Prices are set by law, so what matters is finding the right plan and company for your needs—and that’s where we can help. So go ahead—leave us a message, request your quote, or give us a call. We’re here to make Medicare simple, and we’d love to help you feel confident about your coverage.