Quick answer: The “best” Medigap plan depends on what you value most. Plan G offers the most complete coverage available to new enrollees, Plan N offers a lower premium with small office-visit copays, and Plans K and L trade lower premiums for a yearly out-of-pocket limit ($8,000 and $4,000 in 2026).
Medicare doesn’t cover everything, and figuring out which Medigap plan fills the gaps best for you can feel overwhelming. Here’s a plain-English breakdown to help you choose.
If You Want the Most Complete Coverage: Plan G
Plan G covers nearly everything Original Medicare leaves behind except the Part B deductible ($283 in 2026). It’s the most comprehensive plan available to anyone newly eligible for Medicare since 2020 (Plan F, which covered even more, is closed to new enrollees).
If You Want a Lower Premium With Small Copays: Plan N
Plan N offers lower premiums than Plan G in exchange for a small copay — up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for an ER visit that doesn’t result in admission. If you don’t visit the doctor often, this trade-off can save real money.
If You Want a Built-In Spending Limit: Plans K and L
These plans only cover a percentage of your costs upfront (50% for Plan K, 75% for Plan L) but cap your total yearly out-of-pocket spending. In 2026, that limit is $8,000 for Plan K and $4,000 for Plan L. Once you hit it, the plan covers 100% of costs for the rest of the year — a good fit if a lower premium matters more to you than smaller bills along the way.
If the Part B Deductible Bothers You: Plan D or Plan G (High-Deductible)
Only Plans C and F cover the Part B deductible, and both are closed to anyone newly eligible for Medicare since January 1, 2020. If you’re newly eligible, no current plan covers the Part B deductible — it’s a fixed cost everyone pays.
If You Travel Internationally
Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N all cover foreign travel emergencies at 80%, up to plan limits, after a deductible — worth prioritizing if you travel abroad often.
Watch Out for Part B Excess Charges
If your provider doesn’t accept Medicare’s approved amount as full payment, they can charge up to 15% more, and you’d owe the difference — unless you have Plan F or Plan G, the only two plans that cover this “excess charge.”
How We Can Help
Choosing the right plan comes down to your health needs, how often you expect to use care, and what monthly premium you’re comfortable with. Contact us to talk through your specific situation, or see our full plan-by-plan comparison for every benefit side by side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Plan F still available?
Only if you were already eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. Otherwise, Plan G is the closest equivalent available today.
What’s the difference between Plan G and Plan N?
Plan G has a higher premium but covers more (including Part B excess charges); Plan N has a lower premium but requires small copays for some visits.
Are Plans K and L worth it?
They can be, if you’re comfortable paying a percentage of costs upfront in exchange for a lower premium and a guaranteed cap on your total yearly spending.
