Short answer: For most people turning 65, yes — Medigap Plan G is worth it. It's the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement available today, and for anyone who values predictable costs and the freedom to see any doctor in the country, it's hard to beat. But it isn't the right fit for everyone, and the math depends on your situation. Here's the honest breakdown.

What Is Medigap Plan G?

Medigap (also called Medicare Supplement) plans fill the gaps that Original Medicare leaves behind — the deductibles, coinsurance, and other costs that you'd otherwise pay out of pocket. Plan G is the most popular Medigap plan available to new Medicare enrollees today, and it covers almost everything.

Here's what matters: all Medigap plans are federally standardized. A Plan G from Mutual of Omaha covers the exact same benefits as a Plan G from Aetna, United American, or any other carrier. The only differences are the monthly premium and the company's history of rate increases. That's it.

What Does Plan G Cover in 2026?

Plan G covers every Medicare gap except the annual Part B deductible. Here's what that means in plain terms:

Part A hospital deductible: $1,736 per benefit period in 2026. This can apply more than once a year if you have multiple hospital stays. Plan G covers it entirely.
20% Part B coinsurance — with no cap. Original Medicare leaves you responsible for 20% of all outpatient costs, with no annual limit. On a $50,000 procedure, that's $10,000 out of your pocket. Plan G covers that 20%.
Part A coinsurance — hospital costs beyond Medicare's coverage window, up to an additional 365 days.
Skilled nursing facility coinsurance — days 21–100 of a skilled nursing stay cost $194/day in 2026 without a supplement. Plan G covers it.
Part B excess charges — when a doctor doesn't accept Medicare's approved amount, they can charge up to 15% more. Plan G covers those charges.
Foreign travel emergency — up to plan limits (80% of costs after a $250 deductible, up to a $50,000 lifetime max). Good for international travelers.

The one thing Plan G does NOT cover: the annual Part B deductible, which is $283 in 2026. You pay that once a year — then your covered costs are essentially zero beyond your monthly premium.

Plan G also doesn't cover dental, vision, hearing, or prescription drugs. Those require separate coverage.

What Does Plan G Cost in 2026?

This is where people get tripped up — because the premium varies significantly by age, gender, zip code, tobacco use, and which company you choose. There's no single answer, but here are honest ranges for a healthy 65-year-old in Florida:

Age 65, non-tobacco: roughly $200–$260/month depending on the carrier
Age 70, non-tobacco: roughly $235–$285/month
Age 75, non-tobacco: roughly $270–$320/month

Because the benefits are identical across every carrier, the smart move is to compare rates from multiple companies — not just the first one that calls you. Rate stability over time matters just as much as the starting premium.

Does Plan G Pay for Itself? The Math

Here's the honest calculation most people want:

Say you're 65 and pay $230/month for Plan G — that's $2,760/year in premiums plus the $283 Part B deductible, so $3,043 total out of pocket in a year you stay healthy and never use it much.

Now consider: one hospital admission triggers a $1,736 Part A deductible. A two-week stay with outpatient follow-ups could easily hit $15,000–$30,000 in Medicare-approved charges — leaving you responsible for 20% with no cap. Plan G eliminates that exposure entirely.

For most people, Plan G pays for itself with a single significant health event. And for people who simply don't want to gamble on whether this is the year something goes wrong — the premium is the price of certainty.

Plan G Pros and Cons

Pros

See any doctor or hospital in the country that accepts Medicare — no networks, no referrals, no prior authorizations
Predictable costs. Once you've paid the $283 Part B deductible, your out-of-pocket for covered services is essentially zero for the rest of the year
Nationwide coverage — ideal for snowbirds, frequent travelers, or anyone who splits time between states
Guaranteed acceptance during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period — insurers cannot deny you or charge you more based on health history during your initial 6-month window
No annual changes to benefits — unlike Medicare Advantage plans, your Plan G benefits don't change from year to year
Renewable for life — as long as you pay your premiums, the plan can't cancel you

Cons

You still pay the Part B deductible — $283 in 2026, once per year
No dental, vision, or hearing coverage — those require a separate standalone DVH plan
No prescription drug coverage — you'll need a standalone Part D plan
Medical underwriting after your Open Enrollment Period — if you miss your initial window, insurers in most states can deny you or charge more based on health
Premium increases over time — rates typically go up each year; the size of increases varies by company, which is why carrier selection matters

Plan G vs. Plan N: Which Is Better?

Plan N is the other top Medigap option worth comparing. Here's what's different:

Plan N usually costs $20–$40/month less than Plan G
Plan N has $20 copays for office visits and $50 copays for emergency room visits (waived if admitted)
Plan N does not cover Part B excess charges — if your doctor doesn't accept Medicare assignment, you could owe up to 15% more

Plan G wins if: you see doctors regularly, want zero surprise costs, or your doctors don't all accept Medicare assignment.

Plan N wins if: you're in good health, rarely see doctors, and the $20–$40 monthly savings matter to your budget.

Plan G vs. High-Deductible Plan G

High-Deductible Plan G (HD-G) is Plan G's lower-premium sibling. Same coverage — but you pay a higher deductible first.

HD-G deductible in 2026: $2,870
HD-G premium at 65: roughly $30–$55/month
After you hit the deductible, coverage is identical to standard Plan G

HD-G makes sense if: you're very healthy, have significant savings you could use to cover the deductible, and want maximum protection at the lowest monthly cost.

Standard Plan G makes sense if: you want predictability without having to track a deductible, or if you use healthcare regularly enough that you'd hit the HD-G deductible most years anyway.

Who Should Get Plan G?

You're turning 65 and want to lock in guaranteed coverage before any health changes
You have existing specialists or doctors you don't want to lose access to
You travel, snowbird, or spend time in multiple states
You've had significant health events in the past and want reliable, unlimited coverage going forward
You'd rather have one simple premium than track copays, deductibles, and coinsurance throughout the year

Who Might Consider an Alternative?

Very healthy, rarely see doctors: Plan N or High-Deductible G might save you money
Very tight budget: If the premium isn't affordable, a Medicare Advantage plan may be the only workable option — though understand the trade-offs before you sign
Past your Medigap Open Enrollment Period with significant health issues: If you've missed your guaranteed-issue window and have conditions that would cause insurers to deny you or charge a surcharge, your options narrow — but they're not zero. Call me before assuming you can't get covered.

The Most Important Timing Rule

Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period opens the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B, and it lasts six months. During this window, every insurance company is required to sell you any Medigap plan at standard rates, regardless of your health history.

After that window closes, in most states (including Florida), insurers can review your health history and decline your application or charge higher rates. This is the single most important deadline in Medicare planning. If you're approaching 65, don't wait.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Medigap Plan G going away?

No. Plan G is the top-tier Medigap option for people new to Medicare and is widely available. (Plan F, which also covered the Part B deductible, was discontinued for new enrollees in 2020 — but Plan G remains fully available.)

Which company has the best Plan G?

Because benefits are identical across all carriers, "best" really means "best rate with the most stable pricing history." That changes by zip code and age. I compare rates across the carriers I'm licensed with and help you find one with both a competitive starting premium and a track record of reasonable increases.

Can I be denied Plan G coverage?

During your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period — no. Carriers must accept you at standard rates. After that window, in most states including Florida, yes — they can deny you or charge more based on health. There are some exceptions (certain Special Enrollment Periods). It's worth a conversation if you've missed your initial window.

How much does Plan G cost in Florida at 65?

For a healthy non-tobacco 65-year-old in South Florida, Plan G rates currently run roughly $200–$260/month depending on the carrier. Rates vary by zip code and gender. I can pull exact current quotes for your area at no cost.

Is Plan G better than Medicare Advantage?

They serve different needs. Plan G pairs with Original Medicare and gives you unlimited doctor choice, no networks, and predictable costs. Medicare Advantage often has lower premiums but restricts you to a network, requires referrals, and can involve prior authorization for procedures. For anyone who values flexibility and predictability — especially with existing doctors or chronic conditions — Plan G typically wins. Read our full comparison of Medicare Advantage trade-offs here.

The Bottom Line

Medigap Plan G is worth it for most people entering Medicare who want comprehensive coverage, freedom of choice, and predictable costs. The monthly premium is real money — but so is the peace of mind of never getting a surprise five-figure hospital bill, and never being told your doctor is out of network.

The best time to lock in Plan G is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, before any health changes affect your eligibility. If that window is approaching — or if you're already in it — let's talk about your options and find the right carrier for your situation. There's no cost to you for my help.

Is Medigap Plan G Worth It? Pros, Cons & 2026 Costs (Honest Review)