Comparing Medicare Supplement Plan F and Plan G

If Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans had a buddy-comedy movie, Plan F and Plan G would be the two leads: same vibe,
same wardrobe, same punchlinesexcept one of them insists on splitting the check exactly once per year.
That “one check” is the Medicare Part B deductible, and it’s the main reason these two plans get compared so often.

In this guide, we’ll break down what Plan F and Plan G cover, who can buy them, how costs typically shake out, and how
to run a quick “is it worth it?” test using real-life-style examples. We’ll keep it practical, in-depth, andbecause
insurance can feel like watching paint dryjust entertaining enough that you won’t start pricing out beach cabanas instead.

Plan F vs. Plan G: The Quick Comparison

Translation: Plan G is basically Plan F with one small “you pay this first” item each year. Whether that’s a dealbreaker
depends on your budget, your tolerance for surprise bills (even small ones), and what insurers charge in your ZIP code.

Medigap 101: What Plan F and Plan G Are Actually Doing

They supplement Original Medicare, not Medicare Advantage

Medigap plans work with Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). Original Medicare generally leaves you with cost-sharing
like deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Medigap is designed to help cover many of those out-of-pocket costs.
If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, Medigap typically isn’t the companion you’re looking for.

Standardized benefits mean coverage is the same, but prices aren’t

In most states, Medigap plans are standardized: a Plan G is a Plan G no matter which company sells it, meaning the
benefits are the same. The differences are usually premium price, customer service, underwriting rules (if underwriting
applies), and any value-adds the insurer offers. There are a few states with different standardization rules, which we’ll
cover later.

What Medigap typically doesn’t cover

Medigap is not a “Medicare everything shower cap.” Many policies generally don’t cover things like long-term care,
dental/vision, hearing aids, and private-duty nursing. Prescription drugs are handled through Part D (separate coverage),
not Medigap.

Plan F: The “No-Bills-for-Medicare-Covered-Care” Classic (With a Catch)

Plan F became famous because, for many Medicare-covered services, it can leave you owing little to nothing out of pocket.
It’s often described as the “most comprehensive” standardized Medigap option because it covers the big gapsincluding
the Part B deductible.

Why Plan F feels so seamless

• It helps cover cost-sharing under Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical).
• It covers the Part B coinsurance (commonly the 20% you’d otherwise pay for many outpatient services).
• It covers Part B excess charges (important if you see providers who don’t accept Medicare assignment).
• It also covers the Part B deductible, which is the key difference vs. Plan G.

The 2020 eligibility rule (a.k.a. “why you might not be able to buy it”)

Federal rules changed who can purchase certain Medigap plans that pay the Part B deductible. In practical terms, many
people who became newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020 can’t buy Plan F. People who were eligible
before that date may still be able to buy it (and people already enrolled can generally keep it, as long as they pay
premiums on time).

So Plan F isn’t exactly “going away”it’s more like a popular concert venue that stopped selling tickets to new fans
after a certain date. The show continues; the door policy changed.

Plan G: The Practical Twin That Makes You Pay One Small Thing

Plan G is often considered the closest alternative to Plan F. Coverage is extremely similarPlan G generally covers
the same major gaps as Plan Fexcept it does not cover the Part B deductible.

What you pay with Plan G

With Plan G, you typically pay the Part B deductible out of pocket each year, and then Plan G coverage can kick in
for covered cost-sharing after that, according to the plan’s standardized benefits.

The Part B deductible changes periodically. For example, Medicare references show a Part B deductible of $257 in 2025
and $283 in 2026. In other words, it’s not nothingbut it’s also usually not “new roof” money.

Why Plan G is often the default recommendation for new enrollees

• Plan G remains available to people new to Medicare (unlike Plan F).
• Premiums for Plan G are often lower than Plan F, and the premium savings may exceed the Part B deductible.
• Because Plan G is open to new enrollees, it may have a broader risk pool over time (which can matter for pricing).

Cost Comparison: The Break-Even Test (No Calculator App Required)

Here’s the simplest way to compare Plan F vs Plan G without needing an actuarial degree (or a scented candle labeled
“Peace, Please, After Insurance Paperwork”).

Step 1: Find the monthly premium difference

Let’s say your quotes come back like this:

• Plan F premium: $210/month
• Plan G premium: $175/month
• Difference: $35/month

Step 2: Multiply the difference by 12

$35/month × 12 = $420 per year in premium savings with Plan G.

Step 3: Compare that to the Part B deductible

If the annual Part B deductible is around a few hundred dollars, and your premium savings are $420/year, then even after
paying the deductible, you may still come out ahead with Plan G.

When Plan F might win

If Plan F costs only a little moresay $10/month morethen $120/year in premium difference might be less than the Part B
deductible. In that case, Plan F could be financially competitive (if you’re eligible to buy it).

Bottom line: Plan G tends to be the better value when the premium gap is larger than the Part B deductible.
Plan F can make sense when the premium gap is tiny or when someone strongly prefers the simplicity of having virtually
every Medicare-covered bill handled without that annual deductible step.

Coverage Details That Matter in Real Life (Not Just on Charts)

Part B excess charges: a “quiet” feature that can save real money

Both Plan F and Plan G cover Part B excess charges. These can happen if you see a provider who is allowed to charge more
than the Medicare-approved amount (and not all providers do, and rules can vary by state). If you travel frequently or see
certain specialists, having excess charge coverage can be reassuring.

Foreign travel emergency: helpful, but not a full travel insurance replacement

Both plans include a foreign travel emergency benefit up to plan limits. Think of it as “nice to have” for unexpected
situations, not as permission to skip travel insurance and replace it with optimism.

Prescription drugs: still separate

Neither Plan F nor Plan G replaces Part D. If you want help with prescription drug costs, you typically look at a
standalone Medicare Part D plan (or other options, depending on your coverage).

Eligibility and Availability: Who Can Buy Plan F vs Plan G?

Plan F

Plan F is generally only available to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you were eligible
before that date but didn’t enroll right away, you may still be able to purchase Plan F depending on your circumstances
and state rules.

Plan G

Plan G is available to people who are newly eligible for Medicare after January 1, 2020, making it one of the most common
“top tier” Medigap choices for today’s new enrollees.

Enrollment Timing: The Best Window to Buy (And Why It Matters)

The Medigap Open Enrollment Period

Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a one-time, 6-month window that starts when you’re 65 or older and enrolled in
Medicare Part B. During this period, insurers generally can’t use medical underwriting to deny you a policy or charge
you more based on health conditions. If you want the most freedom (and least friction), this is the golden window.

Guaranteed issue rights (the “second chance” scenarios)

Outside open enrollment, you may still have protected opportunities to buy certain Medigap plans without underwriting if
you qualify for guaranteed issue rightsoften tied to losing certain coverage or leaving a plan under specific conditions.
The rules are detailed, but the headline is: sometimes life changes create a protected enrollment door.

If you’re unsure, your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is a reliable place to get unbiased help sorting
out timing, rights, and options.

High-Deductible Versions: Another Way to Compare Apples to Slightly Riskier Apples

In some states, Plans F and G can be sold with a high-deductible option. These versions generally have lower monthly
premiums, but you pay more out of pocket before the plan begins paying benefits.

How it works (in plain English)

With a high-deductible Plan G, for example, you typically pay Medicare-covered cost-sharing expenses up to the plan’s
high deductible amount for the year, and after you meet it, the plan pays benefits like a standard Plan G would.
Medicare references show a high-deductible amount of $2,870 for 2025 and $2,950 for 2026 (these amounts can change).

Who tends to like high-deductible Plan G?

• People who want catastrophe protection but prefer lower premiums.
• People with savings set aside for medical expenses who don’t mind higher cost-sharing in a typical year.
• People who don’t expect frequent medical visits, but want a “ceiling” against worst-case costs.

Who should be cautious? Anyone who knows they’ll likely hit significant outpatient costs each year, or anyone for whom
unpredictable bills create stress. Lower premiums are greatuntil you’re paying the deductible and wishing you had a time machine.

Why Premiums Vary So Much (Even for the Same Letter Plan)

Since standardized benefits mean a Plan G is a Plan G, why can Company A charge $160/month and Company B charge $230/month?
Common factors include:

• Pricing method: community-rated, issue-age-rated, or attained-age-rated pricing structures.
• Geography: premiums vary by state and region.
• Discounts: household discounts or other pricing incentives may apply.
• Rate history: insurers adjust premiums over time based on claims experience and other factors.

Practical advice: compare at least a few companies for the same plan letter, and don’t assume the biggest brand is always
the best price (or the best service).

Which One Should You Choose? Scenario-Based Guidance

Plan F may fit best if…

• You’re eligible to buy it (generally eligible for Medicare before 1/1/2020).
• You strongly value simplicity: fewer separate bills for Medicare-covered services.
• The premium difference between Plan F and Plan G in your area is small enough that it outweighs the Part B deductible.

Plan G may fit best if…

• You’re new to Medicare (and Plan F isn’t available).
• You want broad coverage similar to Plan F but at a lower premium.
• You’re comfortable paying the Part B deductible once a year in exchange for ongoing monthly savings.

If you’re stuck, use this two-question tie-breaker

1. Is the yearly premium savings with Plan G greater than the Part B deductible? If yes, Plan G often wins on value.
2. How much do you hate paperwork and small bills? If your stress level spikes at the sight of an envelope, Plan F’s simplicity may matter.

Shopping Checklist: How to Compare Plan F and Plan G Like a Pro

• Confirm eligibility: whether Plan F is even an option for you.
• Get multiple quotes: same plan letter, different insurers.
• Run the break-even test: (premium difference × 12) vs Part B deductible.
• Ask about rate history: how premiums have changed over time (not a guarantee, but useful context).
• Check underwriting rules: especially if you’re outside open enrollment.
• Consider your provider habits: excess charges can matter if you see non-assignment providers.
• Use unbiased help: contact SHIP for free, local counseling.

FAQ: Quick Answers to Common Plan F vs Plan G Questions

Is Plan F better than Plan G?

“Better” depends on your definition. Plan F is more comprehensive because it covers the Part B deductible. But Plan G is
often a better value if it saves you more in premiums than you spend on that deductible.

Can I switch from Plan F to Plan G?

Possibly. If you’re outside protected enrollment windows, switching could involve medical underwriting, and rules vary
by state and situation. That’s why timing (open enrollment and guaranteed issue rights) matters so much.

Does Plan G cover everything after I pay the Part B deductible?

Plan G generally covers standardized gaps like coinsurance and certain deductibles according to the plan design. But it
doesn’t turn Medicare into a “covers literally everything” programservices must still be Medicare-covered, and Medigap
doesn’t replace Part D or non-covered services like most dental/vision.

Why does Plan F often cost more?

Because it covers the Part B deductible and has historically been the most comprehensive option. Also, because it’s closed
to many new beneficiaries, premiums may behave differently over time compared with plans that remain open to new enrollees.

Experiences People Commonly Have When Comparing Plan F and Plan G (Extra Insights)

The biggest “aha” moment many people report is realizing the Plan F vs Plan G decision is rarely about medical coverage
(because it’s almost the same). It’s usually about psychology, budgeting style, and how your local market prices the two
plans. Here are a few real-world-style experiences that mirror what beneficiaries and counselors often talk about.

1) The “I Thought I Needed Plan F… Until I Did the Math” experience

A very common story: someone wants Plan F because they love the idea of “no bills.” Then they get quotes and notice Plan F
is $35–$60 more per month than Plan G in their county. After multiplying by 12, they realize they’d be paying hundreds more
each year to avoid a deductible that’s also in the hundreds. For many people, that’s the moment Plan G starts to look like
the sensible sibling: pay the Part B deductible once, keep more money in your pocket the other eleven months.

2) The “I Don’t Want Surprise Bills” experience (and why it’s valid)

Some people choose Plan F even when it costs a bit more, because they value predictability more than perfect efficiency.
If you’ve ever had a budget derailed by unexpected expenses, you understand the appeal. The Part B deductible isn’t huge,
but it’s still a bill that arrives at an inconvenient timelike the day after the holidays or the week your car decides it
needs “a small repair” that costs the same as a vacation. For these folks, paying extra premium can feel like buying
peace of mind.

3) The “I’m New to Medicare, So Plan G Is My Real Choice” experience

Many new beneficiaries discover quickly that Plan F isn’t available to them. At first that can feel like missing out on a
“best plan,” but most people relax once they understand Plan G is nearly identical in coverage and widely considered the
modern go-to for robust Medigap protection. The emotional shift is real: instead of feeling like you’re settling, you feel
like you’re choosing the plan that the market is designed around today.

4) The “Rate Increase Anxiety” experience

People who already have Plan F sometimes worry about what happens as fewer new people can buy it. Even without predicting
the future, it’s normal to ask: “Will my premiums rise faster?” That question leads many to compare switching to Plan G,
especially if Plan G premiums are meaningfully lower today. The experience here is less about fear and more about control:
people want to understand their options before a premium increase forces a rushed decision.

5) The “I Travel / I See Specialists / I Want Excess Charge Coverage” experience

Another frequent perspective: people comparing plans notice that both Plan F and Plan G cover Part B excess charges.
For snowbirds, frequent travelers, or anyone who sees certain specialists, that feature can feel like a safety net.
The experience usually sounds like: “I don’t want to be surprised by a provider billing above the Medicare-approved amount.”
In these cases, the comparison becomes less about F vs G and more about: “Do I want top-tier Medigap coverage (F/G) versus
a lower-premium plan that may not cover excess charges?”

6) The “High-Deductible Plan G Made Me Re-think Everything” experience

Some people stumble on high-deductible Plan G and suddenly the whole comparison changes. The experience goes like this:
“Waitso I can pay a much lower premium, keep money invested or saved, and still have strong coverage if something big
happens?” For healthier retirees or those with solid emergency savings, this feels empowering. For othersespecially anyone
managing chronic careit can feel risky or stressful. The key experience-based takeaway: high-deductible options work best
when you’re comfortable self-funding routine costs and using insurance for the big stuff.

If you take one lesson from these experiences, let it be this: the “best” choice is the one that fits how you actually
liveyour budget rhythm, your comfort with bills, your health expectations, and your local pricing. The smartest shoppers
don’t just pick a plan; they pick a strategy they can stick with.

Conclusion: So, Plan F or Plan G?

If you’re eligible for Plan F, it offers maximum convenience by covering the Part B deductible along with other major
Medicare gaps. Plan G, meanwhile, is the near-identical alternative that usually asks you to pay the Part B deductible
yourselfoften in exchange for lower premiums.

The best approach is simple: get quotes, run the break-even test, and choose the plan that matches both your wallet and
your peace-of-mind level. And if you want a trusted human to sanity-check your options, your local SHIP program is one of
the best free resources out there.