Medicare Supplement Plan G: The Complete Guide (2026)
If you’re turning 65 or new to Medicare, you’ve probably heard people rave about Medicare Supplement Plan G. And honestly? They’re not wrong. Plan G has become the gold standard for Medicare Supplement insurance—and for good reason.
But here’s the thing: just because Plan G is popular doesn’t automatically mean it’s the right choice for you. Maybe Medicare Advantage would save you money. Maybe you don’t need all that coverage. Maybe you’re just tired of trying to figure out what the heck the difference is between all these letters and acronyms.
I get it. After 8 years helping people in Tampa Bay navigate Medicare, I’ve seen the confusion firsthand. So let’s cut through the noise and talk about Plan G in plain English—what it is, what it covers, what it costs, and whether it’s actually the right fit for your situation.
What Exactly Is Medicare Supplement Plan G? 🛡️
Let’s start with the basics. Medicare Supplement insurance (also called Medigap) is private insurance that works alongside Original Medicare Part A and Part B. It helps cover the approved out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t pay—things like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles.
Think of it this way: Original Medicare is like having car insurance with a really high deductible and little to no coverage for certain repairs. Medigap Plan G is like adding comprehensive coverage so you’re not constantly reaching for your wallet every time you go to the doctor.
Plan G is one of several standardized Medigap plans available (labeled A through N, though some letters aren’t used anymore). Each plan letter offers a specific set of benefits that are exactly the same no matter which insurance company you buy it from. So Plan G from Humana covers the exact same things as Plan G from UnitedHealthcare—only the price and company reputation differ.
What Does Medicare Supplement Plan G Cover? 📋
Plan G is the most comprehensive Medigap plan available to people who became eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020. (If you were eligible before that date, you could also choose Plan C or Plan F, but those aren’t available to new Medicare beneficiaries anymore.)
Here’s everything Plan G covers:
1. Part A Hospital Coinsurance and Hospital Costs 🏥
Original Medicare Part A covers hospital stays, but only for a certain number of days. After that, you’re responsible for daily coinsurance amounts that can add up fast—we’re talking $408 per day for days 61-90 in 2026, and $816 per day after you’ve used your 60 lifetime reserve days.
Plan G covers 100% of this coinsurance. Even better, it covers up to an additional 365 days of hospitalization after Medicare benefits are exhausted. So if you have a serious illness requiring an extended hospital stay, you’re protected.
2. Part A Deductible ($1,676 in 2026) 💰
Every time you’re admitted to the hospital, Medicare Part A has a deductible—$1,676 in 2026. If you’re hospitalized twice in one year, you could pay that deductible twice.
Plan G covers this deductible 100%. You won’t pay a penny out of pocket for hospital admission (beyond your monthly premium).
3. Part A Hospice Care Coinsurance or Copayment ❤️
If you need hospice care, Medicare Part A covers most costs but requires small copayments for outpatient drugs and respite care. Plan G picks up these costs so you and your family can focus on what matters most.
4. Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance ($204/day in 2026) 🏨
If you need skilled nursing care in a facility (not a nursing home—there’s a difference), Medicare Part A covers the first 20 days at 100%. Days 21-100 require coinsurance of $204 per day in 2026.
Plan G covers all of this coinsurance. So if you need skilled nursing care for rehab after surgery, you won’t be hit with a $16,320 bill for an 80-day stay.
5. Part B Coinsurance or Copayment (Usually 20%) 👨⚕️
This is the big one. After you meet your Part B deductible, Original Medicare typically pays 80% of approved charges for doctor visits, outpatient care, medical equipment, and most other Part B services. You’re responsible for the other 20%.
Here’s the scary part: there’s no annual cap on Part B coinsurance. If you have expensive cancer treatments, cardiac procedures, or ongoing specialist care, that 20% can add up to tens of thousands of dollars.
Plan G covers 100% of Part B coinsurance after you meet the Part B deductible. No matter how many doctors you see or how much care you need, you won’t pay that 20%.
6. First Three Pints of Blood 🩸
If you need blood transfusions, Medicare requires you to pay for or replace the first three pints each year. Plan G covers this cost.
7. Part B Excess Charges ⚠️
Some doctors who accept Medicare patients are allowed to charge up to 15% more than the Medicare-approved amount for their services. These “excess charges” can add up.
Plan G covers 100% of Part B excess charges, so you’re protected even if your doctor charges more than the Medicare-approved rate.
8. Foreign Travel Emergency (Up to Plan Limits) ✈️
If you’re traveling outside the U.S. and have a medical emergency, Original Medicare won’t cover you. Plan G provides emergency coverage for foreign travel after a $250 deductible, paying 80% of costs up to a lifetime maximum of $50,000.
This is great for snowbirds who spend time in Canada, or anyone who likes to travel internationally.
What Does Plan G NOT Cover? ❌
There’s only one thing that Plan G doesn’t cover that you might expect it to:
The Part B Deductible ($257 in 2026)
You’re responsible for paying the first $257 in Part B medical expenses each year before Plan G kicks in. After that, Plan G covers everything else.
This is the only difference between Plan G and the old Plan F (which is no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries). Plan F covered the Part B deductible; Plan G doesn’t.
But here’s the thing: Plan G premiums are typically $300-$400+ per year lower than Plan F premiums were. So you come out ahead financially with Plan G even after paying that $257 deductible.
What Else Do You Need Beyond Plan G? 🤔
Here’s what a lot of people don’t realize: Medigap plans like Plan G only cover what Original Medicare covers. There are three big gaps you’ll still need to address:
1. Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D) 💊
This is critical: Medicare Supplement plans do NOT include prescription drug coverage. If you choose Plan G, you must also enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
Part D plans vary widely in cost and coverage, typically ranging from $0 to $100+ per month depending on the plan you choose and the medications you take. Some plans cover certain drugs better than others, so it’s important to pick a plan that covers your specific medications at the lowest cost.
If you don’t enroll in Part D when you’re first eligible and don’t have other creditable prescription coverage, you’ll pay a late enrollment penalty—permanently. The penalty is calculated as 1% of the national base beneficiary premium ($37.90 in 2026) multiplied by the number of months you went without coverage, rounded to the nearest $0.10. It’s added to your Part D premium every month for as long as you have Part D coverage.
2. Dental Coverage 🦷
Original Medicare (and therefore Medigap Plan G) doesn’t cover routine dental care like cleanings, fillings, crowns, or dentures. You’ll need separate dental insurance or pay out of pocket.
Options include:
- Standalone dental insurance: Plans specifically designed for seniors, typically $20-$50/month
- Dental discount plans: Not insurance, but membership programs offering discounted rates at participating dentists
- Pay out of pocket: Many people choose this if they have good teeth and just need cleanings twice a year
3. Vision Coverage 👓
Medicare covers eye exams if you have diabetes or other medical conditions affecting your eyes, but it doesn’t cover routine vision exams, eyeglasses, or contact lenses (except in specific post-cataract surgery situations).
Options include:
- Standalone vision insurance: Typically $10-$25/month
- Vision discount plans: Similar to dental discount plans
- Pay out of pocket: Many people just budget for annual eye exams and new glasses every few years
4. Hearing Coverage 👂
Medicare covers diagnostic hearing exams if ordered by a doctor, but it doesn’t cover routine hearing tests or hearing aids.
Hearing aids can be expensive ($1,000-$6,000+ per pair), so some people purchase standalone hearing coverage or look for discount programs.
Plan G vs. Medicare Advantage: The Showdown 🥊
Okay, here’s where things get interesting. Medicare Supplement Plan G and Medicare Advantage plans are completely different approaches to Medicare coverage—and each has real pros and cons.
Let me break it down honestly, because this decision matters:
The Case FOR Plan G (Why People Love It) ✅
1. Total Provider Freedom 🌍
With Plan G + Original Medicare, you can see any doctor or specialist in the country who accepts Medicare—no networks, no referrals, no restrictions. If you want to see the top cardiologist at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota or the best orthopedic surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, you can. No permission needed.
Medicare Advantage plans typically have network restrictions. Even PPO plans charge more for out-of-network care and may not cover certain providers at all.
2. Predictable, Low Out-of-Pocket Costs 💵
Once you pay your monthly premium and the $257 annual Part B deductible, your Medicare approved costs are essentially zero for the rest of the year. No copays for doctor visits. No coinsurance for procedures. No surprise bills.
This predictability is huge if you have chronic conditions or anticipate needing significant medical care. You can budget precisely and never worry about catastrophic costs.
3. No Prior Authorization Hassles 📋
With Plan G, if a doctor orders a test, procedure, or treatment and Medicare approves it, you’re covered. Period. No fighting with insurance companies. No waiting for approval. No denials.
Medicare Advantage plans often require prior authorization for many services, which can delay care and create administrative headaches.
4. Guaranteed Renewable 🔒
Once you’re enrolled in Plan G, the insurance company can’t drop you as long as you pay your premium—even if you develop serious health conditions. Your coverage is guaranteed for life.
Medicare Advantage plans can change their benefits, networks, and even discontinue plans each year. If your plan is canceled, you might have trouble finding a Medigap plan later if you’ve developed health conditions.
5. Great for Travelers and Snowbirds ✈️
Plan G covers you anywhere in the U.S. and even provides emergency coverage during foreign travel. Perfect if you split time between Florida and family up north, or if you like to cruise or travel internationally.
Medicare Advantage plans often have local or regional networks, which can be problematic if you travel frequently or live in multiple states.
The Case AGAINST Plan G (Why It’s Not Always the Answer) ❌
1. Higher Monthly Premiums 💸
This is the big one. Plan G premiums in Florida typically range from $140 to $250+ per month depending on your age, location, tobacco use, and insurance company. That’s $1,680 to $3,000+ per year just for the supplement.
Then add:
- Part B premium ($185/month in 2026 = $2,220/year)
- Part D premium ($20-$100/month = $240-$1,200/year)
- Part B deductible ($257/year)
Total annual cost: roughly $4,400 to $6,700+ per year even if you never see a doctor.
Many Medicare Advantage plans have $0 premiums (you still pay Part B), so your guaranteed annual cost could be just $2,220 (Part B premium only). That’s a difference of $2,000-$4,000+ per year.
2. Premiums Increase Over Time 📈
Plan G premiums don’t stay the same. They typically increase 6-9% annually due to medical inflation and your increasing age. A premium that’s $150/month at age 65 could be $250+/month by age 75.
This is manageable for most people, but it’s something to budget for—especially on a fixed income.
3. No Extra Benefits 🚫
Plan G covers Medicare costs. That’s it. You won’t get:
- Dental, vision, or hearing coverage
- Gym memberships or fitness programs
- Over-the-counter (OTC) allowances
- Transportation to appointments
- Telehealth benefits
Many Medicare Advantage plans include these extras at no additional cost.
4. May Not See As Much Value From It If You’re Healthy 🏃
If you’re healthy and rarely see doctors, you might pay $4,000-$6,000+ per year in premiums for Plan G coverage you barely use. A Medicare Advantage plan with low copays might be more cost-effective.
Of course, the whole point of insurance is protection in case something happens. But it’s worth considering your health status, family history, and risk tolerance.
5. Underwriting After Initial Enrollment 🔍
During your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (the six months starting when you turn 65 and enroll in Part B), insurance companies can’t deny you coverage or charge more due to pre-existing conditions. You have guaranteed issue rights.
But if you miss this window and try to buy Plan G later—say, if you start with Medicare Advantage and want to switch—you may face medical underwriting. Companies can ask health questions, deny coverage, or charge higher premiums based on your health.
This is why many brokers (myself included) encourage new Medicare beneficiaries to seriously consider Plan G (or another Medigap Plan) during their initial enrollment, even if they’re leaning toward Medicare Advantage. It’s much easier to switch from Plan G to Medicare Advantage later than vice versa.
The Honest Truth: It Depends on You 🎯
After 16 years in this business with 8 years as a licensed broker, here’s what I’ve learned: there’s no universal “best” choice. The right answer depends on your specific situation:
Plan G tends to be better if you:
- Want complete freedom to see virtually any doctor without referrals or networks
- Have chronic conditions or anticipate needing significant medical care
- Value predictable costs and hate surprise bills
- Travel frequently or split time between multiple states
- Want to avoid insurance company red tape and prior authorizations
- Can comfortably afford the premiums
Medicare Advantage tends to be better if you:
- Want to keep monthly costs as low as possible
- Are generally healthy with few medical needs
- Want dental, vision, hearing, fitness, and other extras included
- Are comfortable using network providers
- Don’t mind prior authorizations and managed care
- Primarily stay in your local area
Real Talk: Common Plan G Questions I Get All the Time 💬
“Is Plan G worth the cost?”
It depends on how you define “worth it.” If you value peace of mind, provider freedom, and zero surprise bills, then yes—even if you don’t use much healthcare. If you’re more focused on minimizing guaranteed costs and are willing to accept networks and copays, Medicare Advantage might offer better value.
Here’s how I think about it: Plan G is like comprehensive car insurance. You might go years without needing it, but if you get in a serious accident, you’ll be grateful you had it.
“Should I choose Plan G or Plan N?”
Plan N is another popular Medigap option with lower premiums than Plan G. The trade-off? You pay small copays for doctor visits (up to $20) and emergency room visits (up to $50, waived if admitted), plus you’re responsible for Part B excess charges.
If you’re healthy and don’t see doctors often, Plan N can save you $300-$600+ annually in premiums. But if you have multiple specialists or frequent medical needs, those copays add up and Plan G often comes out ahead.
“Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to Plan G later?”
Technically yes, but it can be extremely difficult. Outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, insurance companies can require medical underwriting. If you’ve developed health conditions, you may be denied coverage or face very high premiums.
There are limited exceptions (called “guaranteed issue rights”) where you can buy Medigap without underwriting—such as if your Medicare Advantage plan is discontinued or you move out of the service area. But these are narrow situations.
This is why I always tell people: if you’re on the fence, start with Plan G during your initial enrollment when you’re guaranteed acceptance. You can always switch to Medicare Advantage later. It’s much harder to go the other direction.
“Which company has the best Plan G?”
Remember: With the exception of certain “Select” plans that have network limitations, Plan G benefits are standardized. Plan G from Humana covers the exact same things as Plan G from UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, or any other carrier.
What differs:
- Price: Premiums can vary by hundreds of dollars per year for the exact same coverage
- Rate history: Some companies have more stable premiums over time
- Customer service: Quality varies by carrier
- Financial strength: You want a company that’ll be around for decades
This is where working with an independent broker helps. We can compare rates from multiple carriers and help you find the best combination of price, stability, and service.
“What if I can’t afford Plan G?”
If Plan G premiums are outside your budget, you have options:
- Plan N: Lower premiums with small copays
- High-deductible Plan G: Much lower premiums ($50-70/month) but you pay the first $2,870 in costs in 2026 before coverage kicks in
- Medicare Advantage: Often $0 premium with extra benefits, though with network restrictions
- Medicare Savings Programs: If you qualify based on income, you may get help paying premiums and cost-sharing
The Bottom Line: What Would I Tell My Own Parents? 👨👩👦
Here’s what I honestly tell people who ask for my recommendation:
If you can afford Plan G premiums without financial strain, and you value having complete provider freedom with zero surprise bills, Plan G is probably worth it. The peace of mind alone is valuable.
But—and this is important—Plan G isn’t automatically “better” than Medicare Advantage for everyone. If you’re on a tight budget, are healthy, don’t travel much, and are comfortable with networks, a good Medicare Advantage plan might serve you better.
The key is making an informed decision based on your specific situation, not just doing what your neighbor did or what some article online said was “best.”
Ready to Figure Out Your Best Option? 📞
Look, I know this is a lot of information. And honestly? Reading articles can only take you so far. Your situation is unique—your health, your doctors, your budget, your priorities—and the “right” choice depends on all these factors.
That’s what I’m here for. I’ve been helping people in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Polk Counties navigate exactly this decision for over 8 years as a licensed agent/broker.
Here’s what we’ll do together:
- Review your health needs and current medications
- Check if your doctors are in Medicare Advantage networks (if considering that route)
- Compare actual costs for Plan G from multiple carriers
- Show you how Plan G stacks up against Medicare Advantage options in your area
- Find the right Part D plan for your specific medications
- Answer all your questions (the ones you know to ask AND the ones you don’t)
My consultations are free, and I represent all the major carriers, so I can give you an honest comparison. I don’t work for any insurance company—I work for you.
📞 Call: 813-501-5011
📧 Email: tim@healthplan4u.com
🌐 Website: www.healthplan4u.com
🗓️ Schedule your free Medicare plan review today—let’s figure this out together.
You’ve got enough to worry about without stressing over Medicare. Let me make this part easy.
— Tim Gibson, Independent Licensed Broker
HealthPlan4U | Licensed in Florida #W811869