Medigap vs Plan N
Medigap (Medicare Supplement) and Medigap Plan N solve the same problem in different ways. Medigap policies supplement Original Medicare by covering much of its cost sharing — deductibles, copays, and coinsurance — so you get highly predictable costs and can see any provider that accepts Medicare nationwide, with no networks. Plans are standardized by letter (e.g. Plan G, Plan N), so the difference between carriers for the same letter is price and service. Medigap does not include drug coverage, so you add a standalone Part D plan. By contrast, Medigap Plan N usually costs less than Plan G but includes copays for certain office and ER visits and does not cover the Part B deductible or excess charges in the same way as richer letters. Below we compare them on cost, coverage, eligibility, and who each one fits best — with sources you can check.
| Factor | Medigap | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Typical monthly cost | Approx. $120-$300/mo depending on plan letter, age, and state | Approx. $80-$200/mo depending on market |
| Relative cost | $$· | $$· |
| Category | Medicare option | Medicare option |
| Is it insurance? | Yes | Yes |
| ACA-compliant major medical | Yes | No |
| Covers pre-existing conditions | Yes | Varies |
| Eligibility | Best bought during your Medigap Open Enrollment window (no health questions then). | Medigap enrollment rules apply. |
| Best for | People who want predictable costs; Frequent travelers; Those who want any-provider access | Beneficiaries okay with small copays; Budget-minded Medigap shoppers |
Medigap
Medigap policies supplement Original Medicare by covering much of its cost sharing — deductibles, copays, and coinsurance — so you get highly predictable costs and can see any provider that accepts Medicare nationwide, with no networks. Plans are standardized by letter (e.g. Plan G, Plan N), so the difference between carriers for the same letter is price and service. Medigap does not include drug coverage, so you add a standalone Part D plan.
Pros
- Predictable out-of-pocket costs
- Any Medicare provider, no network
- Standardized plans
Cons
- Higher premium than most Advantage plans
- No drug coverage
- Medical underwriting outside open enrollment
Plan N
Medigap Plan N usually costs less than Plan G but includes copays for certain office and ER visits and does not cover the Part B deductible or excess charges in the same way as richer letters.
Pros
- Lower premium than G in many markets
- Standardized benefits
- Works nationwide with Medicare
Cons
- Copays apply
- Underwriting risk later
- No drug coverage included
Frequently asked questions
- Is Medigap or Plan N cheaper?
- Medigap and Plan N sit in a similar monthly cost range (approx. $120-$300/mo depending on plan letter, age, and state vs approx. $80-$200/mo depending on market). The better value depends on your health and whether you qualify for a subsidy.
- What is the main difference between Medigap and Plan N?
- A private policy that pays Original Medicare’s out-of-pocket costs for predictable bills nationwide. Lower-premium Medigap letter with modest copays for some visits.
- Can I switch between Medigap and Plan N?
- Often yes, though timing rules apply. Comprehensive insurance changes usually happen during Open Enrollment or a Special Enrollment Period, so check the enrollment window before you switch.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — the official U.S. government Medicare site · reviewed 2026-01-15
- OLYRON HealthMatch editorial methodology — how we source and rate options · reviewed 2026-01-15
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