Medicare Supplement Plan G: Everything You Need to Know Before You Enroll in 2026

If you are approaching age 65 or already enrolled in Original Medicare, you have probably heard the term “Medigap” tossed around — and for good reason. Original Medicare covers a lot, but it was never designed to cover everything. Deductibles, coinsurance, and unexpected hospital costs can add up to thousands of dollars each year. That is exactly where a Medicare supplement plan G steps in.

Plan G has quickly become the most popular Medigap plan available to new Medicare enrollees, and in 2026 it continues to lead the market with roughly 39% of all Medigap enrollees choosing it over any other option. But what exactly does it cover, who qualifies, and is it the right plan for you? This guide breaks it all down in plain English.

What Is Medicare Supplement Plan G?

Medicare Supplement Plan G — also known as Medigap Plan G — is a private insurance policy sold by licensed carriers that works alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Rather than replacing Medicare, it fills in the “gaps” by covering costs that Medicare leaves behind: copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, and in some cases, charges that go beyond Medicare-approved amounts.

The federal government standardizes all Medigap plans, which means the benefits of Plan G are identical regardless of which insurance company you purchase it from. The only thing that varies between carriers is the monthly premium you pay. This standardization makes it easy to compare shops — you can focus entirely on price and carrier reputation without worrying about coverage differences.

What Does Plan G Cover in 2026?

Here is a full breakdown of what Plan G covers:

• Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs — Covers 100% of Part A coinsurance for hospital stays, plus an additional 365 days after your Medicare benefits are exhausted.
• Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment — Covers the 20% of Medicare-approved costs that Original Medicare does not pay, including doctor visits, outpatient care, lab work, and preventive services.
• First 3 pints of blood — Plan G covers the cost of the first 3 pints of blood each year.
• Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment — Covers your share of hospice care costs.
• Skilled nursing facility (SNF) coinsurance — Covers coinsurance for days 21–100 in a skilled nursing facility. In 2026, Medicare charges $204.50 per day for this period — a 100-day stay could otherwise cost over $16,000 out of pocket.
• Part A deductible — Plan G fully covers the Part A deductible, which is $1,736 per benefit period in 2026.
• Part B excess charges — If a doctor does not accept Medicare assignment, they can charge up to 15% above the Medicare-approved rate. Plan G covers these excess charges entirely.
• Foreign travel emergency — Covers 80% of emergency medical costs abroad after a $250 deductible, up to a $50,000 lifetime limit.

The only gap Plan G does not cover is the annual Medicare Part B deductible, which is $257 in 2026. Once you pay that amount, Plan G covers the rest for the remainder of the year — no copays, no surprise bills, no network restrictions.

Who Is Eligible for Plan G?

To enroll in Medicare Supplement Plan G, you must first be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. Plan G is available to anyone who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. If you became eligible before that date, you may still have access to Plan F — but Plan F is no longer available to new enrollees.

The best time to enroll is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP), which begins the first month you are both 65 years old and enrolled in Part B. This 6-month window gives you guaranteed issue rights, meaning no insurance company can deny you coverage or charge you more due to pre-existing health conditions. Once this window closes, insurers in most states can apply medical underwriting, which may result in higher premiums or coverage denials.

How Much Does Plan G Cost?

Understanding Plan G cost is critical before you commit to a policy. Because benefits are standardized, the price is entirely determined by factors like your age, location, gender, tobacco use, and which insurance company you choose.

In 2026, monthly premiums for Plan G generally fall into these ranges:

• Low end: $90–$130/month (typically for 65-year-old women in lower-cost states like Illinois, Tennessee, or Indiana)
• Mid range: $140–$200/month (the most common range for new enrollees nationwide)
• High end: $200–$350/month (older enrollees, high-cost states like New York, or certain carriers)

For a 65-year-old paying $150/month in premiums, the total annual cost — including premiums and the Part B deductible — comes to approximately $2,057. After that, all Medicare-approved expenses are covered with no further out-of-pocket costs for the rest of the year.

Premium differences of $50–$100/month between carriers for identical Plan G coverage are common. Comparing quotes from at least three to five carriers before enrolling is strongly recommended.

High-Deductible Plan G: A Lower-Premium Alternative

If the standard Plan G premium feels steep, there is an alternative: High-Deductible Plan G (HD Plan G). This version offers identical coverage to standard Plan G but requires you to meet an annual deductible of $2,870 in 2026 before the plan kicks in.

In exchange, monthly premiums drop to just $30–$60/month. For healthy individuals who rarely use medical services, HD Plan G can save over $1,900 per year in premiums compared to standard Plan G. However, if you face a significant medical event, the standard Plan G will likely come out ahead financially.

Plan G vs. Plan N: Which Is Better?

Plan N is the most common alternative to Plan G. It offers slightly lower premiums — typically $30–$60 less per month — but requires small copayments for certain office and ER visits, and it does not cover Part B excess charges.

If your doctors all accept Medicare assignment, excess charges may rarely apply, and Plan N could save you money. However, if you see specialists frequently or travel to see various providers, Plan G’s broader coverage tends to be the safer choice.

Final Thoughts

Medicare Supplement Plan G remains the gold standard for new Medicare enrollees in 2026. It offers near-total coverage of Original Medicare’s gaps, predictable annual costs, and the freedom to see any doctor or hospital in the country that accepts Medicare — with zero network restrictions.

Before enrolling, compare premiums from multiple carriers, consider your health history, and decide whether standard or high-deductible Plan G makes more sense for your situation. Working with a licensed independent Medicare advisor can help you navigate the options at no additional cost to you.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional insurance or financial advice. Always consult a licensed Medicare advisor before making enrollment decisions.