Medigap Plan G — The Most Popular Medicare Supplement Plan in 2026
If you are shopping for a Medicare Supplement plan, chances are you have heard about Medigap Plan G. It is currently the most popular Medicare Supplement plan available — and for good reason. As an independent Medicare insurance broker serving clients across New York, New Jersey, and nationwide, I help seniors evaluate Plan G every single day. Here is everything you need to know.
What Is Medigap Plan G?
Medicare Supplement insurance — commonly called Medigap works alongside Original Medicare to cover the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare leaves behind. Plan G is one of 10 standardized Medigap plans and provides the most comprehensive coverage available to new Medicare enrollees today.
Plan G covers nearly everything that Original Medicare does not — with just one exception: the annual Medicare Part B deductible, which is $257 in 2026. After you pay that deductible once per year, Plan G covers virtually all remaining approved costs.
What Does Medigap Plan G Cover?
Medigap Plan G includes the following benefits:
- ✅ Part A hospital coinsurance — covers your share of hospital costs up to 365 days after Original Medicare benefits are exhausted
- ✅ Part A deductible — covers the $1,736 Part A inpatient deductible in 2026
- ✅ Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
- ✅ Part B coinsurance or copayment — covers your 20% share of outpatient medical costs after the Part B deductible
- ✅ Part B excess charges — covers the additional amount doctors who don’t accept Medicare assignment can charge above Medicare’s approved amount
- ✅ Part B preventive care coinsurance
- ✅ Skilled nursing facility (SNF) coinsurance
- ✅ First three pints of blood for a medical procedure
- ✅ Foreign travel emergency coverage — up to plan limits for emergency care outside the United States
- ❌ Part B deductible — the only cost NOT covered by Plan G ($257 in 2026)
How Much Does Medigap Plan G Cost in 2026?
Medigap Plan G premiums vary based on your age, gender, location, and the insurance carrier you choose. In the New York metro area, monthly premiums for Plan G typically range from approximately $150 to $350 per month, depending on these factors.
Because Medigap benefits are standardized by the federal government, the coverage is identical from carrier to carrier, which means the only real difference between Plan G policies is the monthly premium. This is why working with an independent broker who can compare rates across all available carriers is so important — you should never overpay for the same coverage.
Is Plan G Worth the Premium?
For most seniors, the answer is yes — especially those who:
- See doctors or specialists frequently
- Have ongoing health conditions requiring regular care
- Want predictable healthcare costs with no surprise bills
- Value the freedom to see any Medicare-accepting doctor without network restrictions
- Travel frequently and want nationwide coverage
Medigap Plan G vs Plan F
Plan G is often compared to Plan F — the previous gold standard of Medigap coverage. The only difference between the two is that Plan F covers the Part B deductible ($257 in 2026) while Plan G does not. However Plan F is no longer available to Medicare beneficiaries who became eligible after January 1, 2020.
For most new Medicare enrollees, Plan G is the most comprehensive option available — and because Plan F is being phased out its premium pool is shrinking and rates are rising faster than Plan G rates.
Medigap Plan G vs Plan N
The other popular alternative is Medigap Plan N. Here is how they compare:
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part B deductible | ❌ Not covered | ❌ Not covered |
| Part B excess charges | ✅ Covered | ❌ Not covered |
| Doctor visit copays | ✅ No copay | ⚠️ Up to $20 copay |
| Emergency room copay | ✅ No copay | ⚠️ Up to $50 copay |
| Monthly premium | Higher | Lower |
Plan G is the better choice if you see doctors frequently or want complete protection from excess charges. Plan N may be a better fit if you are generally healthy and want a lower monthly premium.
Medigap Plan G and New York’s Guaranteed Issue Protections
New York is one of a small number of states with guaranteed issue protections for Medigap year-round. This means that in New York, insurance companies cannot deny your Medigap Plan G application or charge higher premiums based on your health history — regardless of when you apply.
This is a significant advantage for New York seniors compared to most other states, where Medigap underwriting applies outside of your initial enrollment window. It gives you the flexibility to switch plans or enroll in Plan G at any time without fear of being denied coverage.
How to Enroll in Medigap Plan G
The best time to enroll in Medigap Plan G is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period — a 6-month window that begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window, you have guaranteed issue rights — carriers cannot deny you or charge more based on health conditions.
In New York, you have the additional protection of guaranteed issue year-round — so you can enroll in or switch to Plan G at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions — Medigap Plan G
Is Medigap Plan G the best Medicare Supplement plan?
Plan G is the most comprehensive Medigap plan available to new Medicare enrollees and is the most popular choice nationwide. Whether it is the best plan for you depends on your health needs, budget, and how frequently you use medical services. An independent broker can help you compare Plan G with other options.
Does Medigap Plan G cover prescription drugs?
No — Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. If you choose Plan G, you will need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan for drug coverage.
Can I be denied Medigap Plan G in New York?
No — New York has guaranteed issue protections year-round, meaning insurance companies cannot deny your Plan G application or charge higher premiums based on your health history, regardless of when you apply.
How does Plan G compare to Medicare Advantage?
Plan G works alongside Original Medicare and gives you the freedom to see any Medicare-accepting doctor nationwide with no network restrictions. Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare through a private carrier and typically has network restrictions but lower monthly premiums. The right choice depends on your health needs and preferences.
Get Your Free Medigap Plan G Quote
As an independent Medicare broker appointed with all major carriers, I compare Plan G rates across every available carrier in your area to make sure you never overpay for the same coverage. My services are completely free — I am compensated by the insurance carriers, not by you.
I serve clients across New York, New Jersey, and nationwide by phone, video, or in person.
📞 Contact Craig Smith Insurance Group today at (917) 740-1895 for your free Medigap Plan G quote and consultation. No pressure, no obligation — just straightforward guidance from an independent broker who genuinely cares about getting you the right coverage.
