Medicare Plan G: Complete Coverage Guide 2026
Quick Answer
Medicare Plan G is a standardized Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy that pays nearly all of the out-of-pocket costs Original Medicare leaves behind — the Part A hospital deductible, hospital and doctor coinsurance, and more. The only thing it does not cover is the annual Part B deductible, which you pay once per year. It is the most comprehensive Medigap plan available to people new to Medicare today.
Medicare Plan G is one of the most popular Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans in Florida. It pays nearly all of the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare leaves behind. This guide explains what Plan G covers, how it compares to Plan N, who can enroll, and how to pick a carrier. It is written in plain language so it is easy to follow.
What is Medicare Plan G?
Medicare Plan G is a Medicare Supplement plan. People also call it Medigap. It works alongside Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). It does not replace your Medicare. Instead, it fills the gaps.
Here is how it works. You keep your Original Medicare. Medicare pays its share of your covered care first. Then Plan G steps in and pays most of what is left. With Plan G, you can see any doctor or hospital in the country that accepts Medicare. There are no networks and no referrals.
One key point: Plan G does not include prescription drug coverage. You add a separate Part D plan for your medications. A licensed advisor can help you set both up at the same time.
What Medicare Plan G covers
Plan G covers almost every gap in Original Medicare. Here is what it pays for:
- Part A hospital coinsurance, plus 365 extra days after Medicare benefits end
- Part B coinsurance and copays
- Part B excess charges
- First 3 pints of blood each year
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
- Part A hospital deductible
- Foreign travel emergency care (up to plan limits)
The one thing Plan G does not cover
Plan G does not pay the Part B annual deductible. You pay that small amount once each year. After that, Plan G covers the rest. This is the only real difference between Plan G and the older Plan F.
Plan G vs Plan N
Plan G and Plan N are both strong Medigap plans. The right one depends on how you want to balance your monthly premium against your costs at the doctor. Here is a simple side-by-side look.
Plan G
- Higher monthly premium
- No copays for doctor or ER visits
- Covers Part B excess charges
- Very predictable costs
Plan N
- Lower monthly premium
- Small copays for some doctor and ER visits
- Does not cover Part B excess charges
- Good fit if you want to save on premiums
In short, Plan G premiums are usually higher than Plan N, but Plan G covers more. Plan N can save you money each month if you do not mind small copays. Which one saves you the most depends on how often you see doctors and which providers you use.
Who qualifies for Plan G in Florida
To buy Plan G in Florida, you must have both Medicare Part A and Part B. Most people qualify at age 65. Some people under 65 qualify through disability, though rules can differ.
The best time to enroll is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This is a 6-month window that starts when you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During this window, you get guaranteed issue rights. That means a carrier cannot turn you down or charge you more because of your health.
If you apply outside that window, you may have to answer health questions. This is called medical underwriting. Timing matters, so it helps to talk with a licensed advisor before you decide.
Plan G carriers in Florida
Many national and regional carriers offer Plan G across Florida. You have a lot of choices. Here is the part that surprises most people: by federal law, the benefits of Plan G are standardized. That means Plan G from one carrier covers the exact same things as Plan G from another carrier.
So what is different? Mainly two things: the monthly premium and the customer service. One carrier may charge more than another for the very same coverage. Some carriers raise rates faster over time than others. Because the coverage is identical, comparing carriers on price and reliability is what saves you money.
That is where a licensed Florida advisor helps. We compare the available Plan G rates in your zip code, so you do not overpay for the same benefits.
Medicare Plan G FAQs
Does Medicare Plan G cover the Part B deductible?
No. Plan G covers everything after you pay the annual Part B deductible. Once you have met that deductible for the year, Plan G picks up the remaining approved costs.
Is Plan G the same with every insurance company?
Yes. Plan G benefits are standardized by federal law, so the coverage is identical no matter which carrier you choose. Only the price and the customer service differ.
Can I keep my own doctors with Plan G?
Yes. You can see any provider that accepts Original Medicare, with no networks and no referrals.
Does Plan G include prescription drug coverage?
No. Plan G does not include drug coverage. You add a separate Part D plan for your medications.
Get a free Plan G review
Not sure if Plan G is right for you? We can help. Get a free, no-obligation review from a licensed Florida advisor. We will compare your options and answer your questions in plain language.