Last fact-check: July 27, 2026 · Primary source: Medicare.gov · General information, not insurance advice
Quick answer
Medigap Plan G and Plan N both supplement Original Medicare, but neither covers the Part B deductible. Plan G covers Part B excess charges. Plan N does not and requires copayments for some office and emergency-room visits. Premiums vary by insurer and location.
Key takeaways
- You generally need Original Medicare Parts A and B to buy Medigap.
- Compare the same lettered plan across insurers because standardized benefits match while price can differ.
- The strongest federal buying protections are tied to the one-time Medigap Open Enrollment Period.
Plan G versus Plan N
| Benefit | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance and added hospital days | Covered | Covered |
| Part A deductible | Covered | Covered |
| Part B deductible | Not covered | Not covered |
| Part B coinsurance or copayment | Covered | Covered except copayments for some office and emergency visits |
| Part B excess charges | Covered | Not covered |
| Foreign-travel emergency | 80% up to plan limits | 80% up to plan limits |
What Medigap does—and does not do
Medigap is private supplemental insurance for cost sharing in Original Medicare. It is not Part C, and it cannot be used to pay Medicare Advantage plan cost sharing. It also does not replace Part D drug coverage.
The letter identifies standardized medical benefits in most states. It does not identify the premium, rate-increase history, household discount, service quality or financial strength of the company.
The federal Medigap Open Enrollment Period
Under federal law, the six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period starts the first month you have Part B and are age 65 or older. During it, an insurer cannot refuse a policy it sells or medically price the applicant because of pre-existing health problems.
This period does not repeat every year. Outside it, an insurer may use medical underwriting, charge more or deny a policy unless another guaranteed-issue right or stronger state protection applies.
A practical comparison checklist
- Confirm that you are choosing Original Medicare rather than Medicare Advantage.
- Ask each insurer for the same lettered plan and effective date.
- Compare current premium and how the company prices by age.
- Check rate history and available discounts.
- Understand Plan N visit copayments and excess-charge exposure.
- Get the policy and application rights in writing before ending other coverage.
Related guides
Official sources
- Medicare — Medigap overview
- Medicare — Compare Medigap plan benefits
- Medicare — Medigap Open Enrollment and buying rights
Editorial status: This guide has been checked against the cited official sources. Independent subject-matter review has not been completed. Plan G/Plan N cells and federal enrollment protections were checked against Medicare.gov on July 27, 2026. State rules and insurer prices vary. The Guru Gazette is independent and does not recommend an insurer.