Since Plan F closed to newcomers, Plan G has become the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement you can buy — and the runaway favorite among new enrollees. The pitch is simple: Plan G covers every gap in Original Medicare except one small deductible. Pay that once a year, and for everything Medicare approves, you're essentially done. Let's break down exactly what that means.
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What Plan G Covers
When Medicare approves your care, Plan G steps in and pays nearly all of what Medicare leaves behind:
- Part A deductible ($1,736 in 2026)
- Part A hospital coinsurance + 365 extra days
- Part B coinsurance & copayments
- Part B excess charges
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
- Hospice care coinsurance
- First 3 pints of blood
- Foreign travel emergency (80%, up to limits)
Notice what's on that list that most plans don't have: Part B excess charges. That's the extra a provider can bill above Medicare's approved amount. Plan G covers it — one more reason it's considered the most complete plan available to new enrollees.
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The One Thing You Pay: $283
Here's what makes Plan G so easy to understand. The only gap it doesn't cover is the annual Part B deductible. That's it. One number, once a year.
$283
That's your entire annual out-of-pocket for Medicare-approved care in 2026. Pay the Part B deductible once, and from there Plan G handles the rest. No copays at the doctor, no surprise coinsurance, no math.
This is the predictability people fall in love with. With Plan G, you know your worst-case medical cost for the year before it even starts — the price of your premium, plus that one $283 deductible. For folks who want zero surprises, nothing beats it.
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What Plan G Doesn't Cover
Like every Supplement, Plan G follows one rule: if Original Medicare doesn't cover it, Plan G doesn't either. So a few things sit outside it:
- Prescription drugs. You'll add a standalone Part D plan — and you should enroll even if you take nothing now, or you'll face a lifelong late penalty later.
- Routine dental, vision & hearing. These need a separate DVH plan.
- Long-term care. Custodial nursing-home care isn't a Medicare benefit, so Medigap won't cover it.
None of this is unique to Plan G — it's true of all ten Medigap plans. We can bundle the right Part D and dental/vision/hearing coverage alongside your Plan G so nothing falls through the cracks.
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Two Flavors: Standard G vs. High-Deductible G
Plan G actually comes in two versions. Same great coverage — very different premium and structure:
Most Popular
Standard Plan G
Premium: Higher
You pay yearly: Just the $283 Part B deductible
Best for: Anyone who wants maximum predictability and near-zero surprises
Lowest Premium
High-Deductible G
Premium: Much lower
You pay yearly: Costs up to $2,950 (2026), then it acts like full Plan G
Best for: Healthy folks who rarely use care and want the cheapest monthly cost
SRIG take: High-Deductible G is a hidden gem for the healthy. You trade a big deductible you may never hit for a much lower monthly premium — and if you do have a bad year, your costs are capped at $2,950. For the right person, it's the best value in Medigap. We'll run both side by side so you can see the real numbers.
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Why Plan G Is the #1 Pick
- Most complete coverage available to new enrollees — including those excess charges most plans skip.
- Any doctor, any hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare. No networks, no referrals.
- Total predictability — your yearly exposure is basically premium + $283.
- Perfect for travelers and anyone who splits time between states, with foreign-travel emergency coverage on top.
The main alternative worth a look is Plan N — a lower premium in exchange for small copays. If you're healthy and want to trim monthly cost, N can be a smart move. Not sure which fits? Our picking your best Medigap plan guide walks you through it.
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What Plan G Costs
Because the coverage is fixed by law, price is the only variable — and it swings based on:
- Your ZIP code, age, gender, and tobacco use — the standard rating factors.
- The carrier — the big one. Different companies charge very different prices for the identical Plan G.
SRIG take: Since every Plan G is identical in benefits, shopping carriers is pure savings — and it's what we do for you at no cost. Just as important, we look at each carrier's rate-increase history, not only today's price. The cheapest plan this year isn't a bargain if it jumps 15% next year. We aim for the best long-term value, not just the flashiest starting rate.
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Common Questions
What does Plan G not cover?
Just one Medicare gap: the annual Part B deductible ($283 in 2026). Beyond that, like all Medigap plans it doesn't cover prescription drugs (add Part D), routine dental/vision/hearing (add a DVH plan), or long-term custodial care.
How much does Plan G cost per month?
It varies widely by your ZIP code, age, gender, tobacco use, and especially the carrier — since every company prices the identical plan differently. That's exactly why comparing carriers matters. We'll pull your real quotes and find the lowest stable rate for your situation.
Is Plan G better than Plan N?
Neither is "better" — they fit different people. Plan G has a higher premium but near-zero surprises (just the $283 deductible). Plan N has a lower premium with small copays (up to $20 office, $50 ER). Healthy, budget-minded folks often like N; those wanting maximum predictability pick G.
What is high-deductible Plan G?
It's the same Plan G coverage with a much lower premium. You pay your own costs up to a deductible ($2,950 in 2026), and after that it works exactly like full Plan G. It's a strong value for healthy people who rarely use care.
Can I use Plan G with any doctor?
Yes. Medigap plans have no networks. Any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare accepts your Plan G, and they're required to — no referrals needed. That freedom is one of Plan G's biggest draws.
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Your Next Step
Plan G is popular for a reason: the most complete coverage available to newcomers, total predictability, and any-doctor freedom — for the price of a premium plus one $283 deductible. Here's how to lock in yours:
- Watch the video above — we break Plan G down in plain English.
- Book a Blueprint consultation — we'll compare Standard vs. High-Deductible G and shop every carrier for your best rate.
Your blueprint is waiting. Let's build it together.