Medicare Plan F vs. Plan G: Detailed Comparison
Plan F and Plan G are the two most comprehensive Medigap options, but Plan G is often the better value for most beneficiaries.
Plan F and Plan G at a Glance
Medicare Supplement Plan F and Plan G are the two most comprehensive Medigap policies available. Plan F covers 100% of all Medicare-approved cost-sharing, including the Part B deductible. Plan G covers everything Plan F covers except the Part B deductible.
The critical distinction is availability: Plan F is only available to people who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you turned 65 or first became eligible for Medicare on or after that date, Plan G is the most comprehensive Medigap plan you can purchase.
Plan G has become the new gold standard of Medigap plans and is now the most popular choice among new enrollees nationwide.
Coverage Comparison
Both plans cover the following:
- Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to 365 additional days after Medicare benefits are exhausted
- Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayment
- Blood (first 3 pints per year)
- Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
- Medicare Part A deductible
- Medicare Part B excess charges
- Foreign travel emergency care (80% after $250 deductible, up to $50,000 lifetime)
The only difference: Plan F also covers the annual Medicare Part B deductible ($257 in 2026). Plan G does not cover this deductible, meaning Plan G enrollees pay $257 per year out of pocket before Part B coverage kicks in.
In practical terms, this means Plan G enrollees pay $257 more in cost-sharing per year than Plan F enrollees, but they typically save more than that amount in lower monthly premiums.
Cost Comparison
Despite covering slightly less, Plan G is almost always the better financial value. Here is why:
Since Plan F is closed to new enrollees (only those eligible before 2020 can purchase it), the Plan F risk pool is aging. As enrollees get older and healthcare costs rise, Plan F premiums increase at a faster rate than Plan G premiums. Plan G, with a continuously refreshed pool of younger new enrollees, benefits from a more balanced risk pool.
Typical savings: Plan G premiums are often $20-$60 per month less than Plan F premiums from the same insurer. That translates to $240-$720 in annual premium savings. Since the only coverage difference is the $257 Part B deductible, most Plan G enrollees come out ahead by $100-$450+ per year.
The savings gap between Plan F and Plan G premiums is expected to widen over time as the Plan F pool continues to age.
Which Plan Should You Choose?
For new Medicare enrollees (eligible on or after January 1, 2020): Plan G is your most comprehensive option and the clear recommendation for those who want maximum coverage with predictable costs.
For existing Plan F enrollees (eligible before January 1, 2020): You have two options. You can keep Plan F if you are comfortable with the premium, or you can switch to Plan G to save money. Many Plan F enrollees find that switching to Plan G from the same or a different insurer saves enough in premiums to more than offset the $257 annual Part B deductible.
If you are considering switching from Plan F to Plan G, remember that you may need to go through medical underwriting if you are outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. Some states offer birthday rules or other protections that allow switching without underwriting.
For budget-conscious beneficiaries who want good coverage at a lower premium, Medigap Plan N is also worth considering as a middle-ground option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can new Medicare enrollees still get Plan F?
No. As of January 1, 2020, Medigap Plan F is no longer available to people newly eligible for Medicare. Only those who became eligible before that date can still purchase or keep Plan F. Plan G is now the most comprehensive option for new enrollees.
Is it worth switching from Plan F to Plan G?
For many people, yes. If the premium savings from switching to Plan G exceed $257 per year (the Part B deductible you would need to pay), you come out ahead financially with identical coverage for all other costs. Compare quotes from multiple insurers.
What does the Part B deductible cover?
The Part B deductible ($257 in 2026) is an annual amount you must pay before Medicare Part B begins covering its share of outpatient services like doctor visits, lab tests, and medical equipment. Plan F covers this deductible; Plan G does not.
Will Plan F premiums keep increasing?
Plan F premiums are expected to continue increasing faster than Plan G premiums because the Plan F risk pool is closed to new, younger enrollees. As the pool ages, claims costs rise, pushing premiums higher.
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Disclaimer: Plan availability, benefits, and premiums vary by location. Contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE for complete information. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.