Medicare Plan G
Updated September 2026 · 2026 figures from CMS and Medicare.gov
Medicare Plan G is a Medicare supplement (Medigap) policy that covers all the out-of-pocket costs of Original Medicare except the Part B deductible — $283 in 2026. Once you've paid that, Plan G pays your remaining Medicare-covered costs for the rest of the year.
What Plan G covers
- Part A hospital deductible ($1,736 per benefit period in 2026)
- Part A hospital coinsurance, plus 365 extra hospital days after Medicare runs out
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance ($217 a day for days 21–100 in 2026)
- Part B 20% coinsurance
- Part B excess charges (up to 15% extra that some doctors can bill)
- Hospice coinsurance and the first 3 pints of blood
- 80% of foreign travel emergencies, up to plan limits
What Plan G doesn't cover
- The Part B deductible ($283 in 2026)
- Prescription drugs — add a Part D plan
- Routine dental, vision, hearing aids and long-term care
Your yearly costs with Plan G
Your total is: Part B premium + Plan G premium + Part D premium + the $283 Part B deductible. Plan G premiums vary a lot by state, age, sex, tobacco use and insurer, so get several quotes for the same plan.
Plan G vs Plan F vs Plan N
| Plan F | Plan G | Plan N | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part B deductible | Covered | You pay $283 | You pay $283 |
| Part B excess charges | Covered | Covered | Not covered |
| Office / ER copays | None | None | Up to $20 / $50 |
| Who can buy | Only if eligible before 2020 | Anyone | Anyone |
| Premium | Highest | Middle | Lowest |
If Plan F costs more than Plan G by more than the $283 Part B deductible over a year, Plan G is the better deal even if you can buy F. More in Medicare Plan F.
High-deductible Plan G
Some insurers offer a high-deductible Plan G: same benefits, but you pay Medicare-covered costs up to a yearly deductible set by Medicare before the policy pays. Premiums are much lower, so it can suit healthy people who can afford the deductible in a bad year.
When to buy Plan G
During your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, starting the month you're 65+ and enrolled in Part B. Outside it, most states allow insurers to use medical underwriting. See Medicare supplement plans.
Frequently asked questions
What does Medicare Plan G not cover?
The Part B deductible ($283 in 2026), prescription drugs, and services Medicare doesn't cover such as routine dental, vision and long-term care.
Is Plan G better than Plan F?
For most people yes, because Plan G's premium is usually lower by more than the Part B deductible, and Plan F is only available to people eligible before 2020.
Does Plan G cover the Part A deductible?
Yes, in full.
Can I switch to Plan G later?
Yes, but outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period an insurer can ask health questions in most states.