Plan G vs Plan N vs High-Deductible G
When people shop for a Medicare Supplement, the choice almost always narrows to these three. They’re close cousins — all built on the same standardized benefits — but they trade coverage for premium in different ways. Here’s how they stack up, and how to tell which one fits you.
The quick answer
If you only read one section, read this. Each plan in a sentence — then dive deeper below.
Covers just about everything except the small Part B deductible. The most predictable option — you rarely see a bill.
Almost the same as Plan G, but with a lower premium in exchange for small copays at some visits and no excess-charge coverage.
The same coverage as Plan G, but it kicks in only after you meet a yearly deductible — which caps your spending for the year.
Plan G buys the most peace of mind, Plan N trades a few small copays for a lower premium, and High-Deductible G trades a yearly deductible for the lowest premium of the three. All three let you see any doctor nationwide that accepts Medicare.
Side by side
The same benefits, compared across the dimensions that actually separate these three. Premium levels are shown relative to each other, since exact prices vary by carrier and area.
| How they compare | Plan GMost coverage | Plan NLower premium | HD-GLowest premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical monthly premium | Higher | Lower | Lowest |
| Part B coinsurance the 20% Medicare leaves | with small copays | after the deductible | |
| Part B deductible | —you pay it | —you pay it | —you pay it |
| Part B excess charges | — | ||
| Copays at some visits | None | Small copays¹ | None² |
| Foreign travel emergency | |||
| Yearly deductible first? | No | No | Yes² |
| Cost predictability | Highest | High | Lower until met |
| Best for | Predictable costs | Lower premium, few visits | Lowest premium, good health |
Each plan, up close
Plan G covers every standardized gap except the one small Part B deductible you pay once a year. After that, your covered costs are essentially handled — which is why it’s the most popular choice for people new to Medicare who want to stop thinking about bills.
Plan N covers almost everything Plan G does, at a lower premium. The trade: you pay a small copay at some doctor and ER visits, and it doesn’t cover the rare Part B excess charges. If you don’t see the doctor often, those copays rarely add up — and the premium savings can be meaningful.
High-Deductible G gives you the exact same coverage as standard Plan G — but only after you meet a yearly deductible. In exchange, the premium is the lowest of the three. That deductible acts like a spending cap: once you reach it, the plan pays like full Plan G for the rest of the year.
Who picks what
A few common situations, and the plan they usually point to. Yours may differ — that’s what a free comparison confirms.
“I never want to think about a bill.”
Plan G — the most complete, most predictable“I’m healthy and barely see the doctor.”
Plan N — lower premium, small copays you’ll rarely hit“I want the lowest possible premium.”
High-Deductible G — lowest premium, deductible caps your risk“My doctors always accept Medicare’s rate.”
Plan N works well — excess charges rarely come up“I travel or split time between states.”
Any of the three — all include foreign travel emergency and any-doctor access“I’d rather pay steadily than face a big year.”
Plan G — steady premium, minimal surprisesThe one thing this page can’t show you
Because every Plan G, Plan N, and High-Deductible G is identical in coverage across every carrier, the real difference between companies is the premium — and it can vary a lot for the exact same plan. The smart move is to decide which of the three fits your style here, then let us shop that plan across 30+ A-rated carriers to find your lowest rate. See all plans A–N →
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Pick your style — we’ll find your price.
Tell us whether you’re leaning Plan G, Plan N, or High-Deductible G (or let us help you decide), and we’ll compare real rates from 30+ A-rated carriers in your area. Same coverage, best price. Free, unbiased, no pressure.
May River Medicare Insurance is an independent agency and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government, the federal Medicare program, or CMS. Medigap benefits are federally standardized; premiums vary by carrier, age, location, and tobacco use. Premium comparisons on this page are relative and for general education only. High-Deductible Plan G requires you to meet a yearly deductible before coverage begins. For a complete list of your options, contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE.