Understanding Medigap Plan G 2026: Benefits, Costs & Deductibles Explained

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Understanding Medicare Supplement Plan G

Medicare Supplement Insurance plans, also called Medigap, are designed to cover out-of-pocket healthcare expenses not covered by Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Medicare Supplement Plans G (also called Medigap Plan G) offers the highest level of coverage among the eight standardized Medicare Supplement Insurance plans available for purchase in most states (Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin have their own standardized Medigap plans).

What does Medicare Supplement Plan G cover?

Your only out-of-pocket expense from Medicare Supplement Plan G will be the Part B deductible, which is $257 in 2025.

Covered

Hospital Expenses: 100% Part A hospital expenses, including all coinsurance and deductible expenses, up to 365 days after Original Medicare benefits are exhausted.

Medical Expenses: Pays 100% of the Original Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment (20% of the Medicare-approved amount).

Transfusions: Pays for the first three pints of blood you receive in a medical procedure.

Hospice Care: 100% covered and pays Original Medicare Part A coinsurance or copayment.

Skilled Nursing: Pays facility care coinsurance.

Excess Charges: Covers Original Medicare Part B excess charges.

Foreign Travel Medical Emergencies: Covers travel-abroad medical emergencies (80% of approved costs up to plan limits).

Not Covered

Part B Deductible: The Medicare Part B deductible for 2025 is $257. After the deductible is met, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount (the amount a doctor or supplier that accepts assignment can be paid in Original Medicare) for most doctor services, outpatient therapy, and durable medical equipment.¹

Prescription Drugs: Medigap Plan G does not cover prescription drugs. However, you can buy an additional Medicare Prescription Drug plan to cover prescription drug costs.

Who can benefit from this type of supplement plan?

Medicare Supplement Plan G helps cover out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare. Whether Medicare Supplement Plan G is right for you will depend on your unique circumstances and coverage needs.

Advantages of Medicare Supplement Plan G

Most comprehensive coverage out of the available standardized Medicare Supplement Insurance plans
Very few, if any, out-of-pocket Original Medicare expenses

Disadvantages of Medicare Supplement Plan G

Part B deductible isn’t covered
One of the most expensive Medicare Supplement Insurance plans

How much does Medicare Supplement Plan G cost?

Monthly premiums are set by the private insurance companies that offer Medicare Supplement Insurance plans and are based on factors like location, age, health status, gender, and various other factors. Depending on these factors, insurance companies may charge different premiums for the same Medicare Supplement Plan G.

If you opt for the high-deductible Plan G, you must pay for Medicare-covered expenses—copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles—up to the deductible amount of $2,870 in 2025 before your plan pays for anything.

How Pricing Works For This Plan

Pricing for Medicare Supplement Plan G varies by company. Medigap policies can be priced in three ways: community-rated, issue-age-rated, and attained-age-rated.

Community-Rated: Generally, the same monthly premium is charged to everyone who has the Medigap plan, regardless of age. Premiums may go up because of inflation and other factors, but not because of your age.
Issue-Age-Rated: The premium is based on the age you were when you bought the Medigap plan. Premiums are lowered for people who buy at a younger age and won’t change when you get older. Premiums may go up because of inflation and other factors, but not because of your age.

Attained-Age-Rated: The premium is based on your current age, increasing your premium as you get older. Premiums are lower when you are younger, but continually increase as you age. Premiums may also increase because of inflation or other factors.²

When to Enroll in Medicare Supplement Plans

When You're First Eligible: The best time to enroll in a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan is when you’re first eligible. You are eligible to purchase a Medicare Supplement policy (Medigap) on the first day of the month in which you turn 65. This marks the beginning of your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which lasts for six months.

You must already be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. During this period, you can buy any Medigap policy sold in your state, regardless of any health problems. You will generally see better prices and more choices among Medigap policies during this period.

Outside Open Enrollment: While it’s often better to get coverage when you’re first eligible, you can still apply for Medigap coverage after your Initial Enrollment Period. However, if you apply for coverage after your Initial Enrollment Period, there’s no guarantee that an insurance company will sell you a policy if you don’t meet the medical underwriting requirements.

FAQs About Medicare Supplement Plan G

Considering Medicare Supplement Plan G? Here are the answers to common questions about Plan G.

What is the deductible for Medicare Plan G?

Medicare Supplement Plan G will cover out-of-pocket expenses for services and treatment once you pay the Medicare Part B deductible, which is $257 in 2025.

How can I lower the costs of my Medigap Plan G?

Since the cost of Medigap plans varies by company, it’s important to shop around. When you work with SelectQuote, our licensed insurance agents can compare all of your Medicare Supplement Insurance plan coverage options to find the right plan at a price that fits your budget.

Do Medigap plans vary by state?

Medigap plans are standardized, meaning they offer the same benefits across most of the states, except for Wisconsin Medicare Supplement Plans, Minnesota Medicare Supplement Plans, and Massachusetts Supplement Plans.

Do Medicare Supplement plans cover pre-existing conditions?

While insurance companies can’t make you wait for your coverage to start, they may make you wait for coverage for a pre-existing condition. Coverage for pre-existing conditions can be excluded if the condition was treated or diagnosed within six months before the coverage starts under the Medicare Supplement plan.

After the six-month period, the Medicare Supplement plan will cover the condition that was previously excluded. However, it is possible to avoid or shorten the waiting period for a pre-existing condition if you buy a Medicare Supplement plan during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period to replace the “creditable coverage” Medigap plan.³

Compare Medicare Supplement Plans

With the number of Medicare Supplement plans available, it’s hard to know which one may be right for your needs. Explore the different Medicare Supplement plans below.

Sources:

¹https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/medicare-costs

²https://www.medicare.gov/health-drug-plans/medigap/basics/costs

³https://www.medicare.gov/supplements-other-insurance/when-can-i-buy-medigap

Find the Right Medicare Supplement Plan For You With SelectQuote

It can be hard to determine what Medicare plan is best for you, your healthcare needs, and your budget. At SelectQuote, we’ll take the time to learn about your specific needs to shop and compare Medicare Supplement Insurance plans that may be available in your area. The service is free and there’s no obligation to enroll.