How Much Does Medicare Plan G Cost?

How Much Does Medicare Plan G Cost? Understanding Monthly Premiums and Pricing

The Short Answer

In 2026, most people pay about $100 to $300 a month for Medicare Plan G. The national average for a 65-year-old woman who does not smoke is about $180 a month. That is up from about $159 in 2025.

When I first started looking at Medicare, I was shocked by how many numbers there were. Premiums. Deductibles. Coinsurance. Part A, Part B, Part D. It felt like alphabet soup with a price tag. So I did what I always do. I dug in, made notes, and broke it down into small pieces.

In this guide, I will walk you through everything I learned about what Plan G really costs. I will cover:

• What Plan G is and what it pays for
• The average monthly price in 2026
• The things that make your price go up or down
• The other Medicare costs you still have to pay
• The cheaper “high-deductible” version of Plan G
• How Plan G stacks up against Plan F and Plan N
• My best tips to save money
• Answers to the questions people ask me most

By the end, you should know about how much you will pay and how to find the best deal near you.

One quick note before we start. I am sharing what I learned, not giving you personal insurance advice. Prices change, and your own quote may be different. Always check real quotes for your ZIP code before you buy.

What Is Medicare Plan G?

Plan G is a Medicare Supplement plan. People also call it a Medigap plan. It works alongside Original Medicare (Part A and Part B).

Here is the simple way I think about it. Original Medicare pays most of your bills, but not all. It leaves “gaps.” Plan G fills almost all of those gaps.

Plan G is now the most popular Medigap plan for new members. That is because Plan F closed to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. Plan G is the closest thing left.

What Plan G Pays For

Once you pay the yearly Part B deductible, Plan G covers these costs:

1. The Part A hospital deductible. This is $1,736 per benefit period in 2026.
2. Part A hospital coinsurance. This covers long hospital stays, plus 365 extra days after Medicare stops paying.
3. Part B coinsurance. Medicare usually leaves you with 20% of doctor bills. Plan G pays that 20%.
4. Part B excess charges. Some doctors charge up to 15% more than Medicare allows. Plan G covers that extra amount.
5. Skilled nursing facility coinsurance. This is $217 per day for days 21 to 100 in 2026.
6. Hospice care coinsurance.
7. The first 3 pints of blood you need.
8. Foreign travel emergencies. Plan G pays 80% after a small deductible, up to a lifetime limit.

What Plan G Does Not Pay For

Plan G is great, but it is not magic. It does not cover:

• The Part B deductible ($283 in 2026)
• Prescription drugs (you need a separate Part D plan)
• Routine dental, vision, and hearing care
• Long-term custodial care, like help bathing and dressing

The big thing I want you to remember is this. Every Plan G is the same, no matter which company sells it. The government sets the benefits. So a Plan G from one company covers the same things as a Plan G from another. The only real difference is the price.

How Much Does Plan G Cost Per Month in 2026?

The average Plan G premium in 2026 is about $180 a month for a 65-year-old woman who does not smoke. That works out to about $2,160 a year for the Plan G premium alone.

But here is the thing. Almost nobody pays exactly the average. When I compared quotes, I saw prices that varied widely for the same plan. Here are rough ranges I found for a 65-year-old non-smoker:

These are only ballpark numbers. Your real price can land outside these ranges.

Why Did Prices Go Up So Much?

The jump from about $159 to about $180 is roughly 13% in one year. That surprised me. Here is why I think it happened:

• Medical costs keep rising. Doctor visits, hospital stays, and treatments cost more each year.
• People are using more care. When members file more claims, companies raise prices to keep up.
• Plan G members are getting older. Many people who would have picked Plan F years ago are now on Plan G. As a plan’s group ages, it usually costs more to cover.

What About 2027?

As I write this in October 2026, the government has not yet released the new 2027 Part B numbers. Those usually come out in the fall. Insurance companies also change their Plan G prices during the year. So if you are shopping for 2027, ask for fresh quotes and check the newest Medicare numbers before you decide.

What Changes the Price of Plan G?

Since every Plan G covers the same things, why do prices swing so much? I found 8 main reasons.

1. Your age. In most states, older people pay more. A 75-year-old often pays a lot more than a 65-year-old.
2. Where you live. Your state and even your ZIP code matter. Big cities often cost more than small towns.
3. Your gender. In many states, women pay a little less than men. That is because, on average, women have lower health costs at the same age.
4. Tobacco use. If you smoke, you could pay 10% to 25% more. Some companies charge even more.
5. When you sign up, if you buy during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you get the best price. More on that below.
6. Your health. If you apply after your open enrollment ends, companies in most states can check your health. They can charge more or even say no.
7. The insurance company. Each company sets its own price. Two companies can charge very different amounts for the same plan.
8. Discounts. Many companies give discounts if you pay by bank draft, pay yearly, or live with a spouse who also buys a plan. A household discount can often save 5% to 12%.

The Big One: Your Open Enrollment Period

If I could only give you one tip, it would be this. Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a golden window.

It lasts 6 months. It starts the first month you are both 65 or older and signed up for Part B. During this time:

• No company can turn you down because of your health.
• No company can charge you more because of your health.
• You get the lowest rate you can qualify for.

If you miss it, you may have to answer health questions later. If you have health problems, you could end up paying more or getting turned down. A few states have extra rules that protect people, but most do not. So mark that date on your calendar!

The 3 Ways Companies Price Plans

This Part tripped me up at first. Insurance companies use one of three methods to set your price. The method matters a lot, because it decides how your price changes as you get older.

1. Community-Rated

Everyone in the area pays the same price, no matter their age—a 65-year-old and an 85-year-old pay the same amount.

• Good: Your price will not go up just because you had a birthday.
• Not so good: You may pay more when you are young.
• Note: Prices can still go up because of inflation and rising health costs.

2. Issue-Age-Rated

Your price is based on your age when you first buy the plan. If you buy at 65, you keep paying the “65-year-old” price.

• Good: Buying young locks in a lower age bracket.
• Not so good: Prices can still rise each year for other reasons.

3. Attained-Age-Rated

Your price is based on your current age. So it goes up as you get older.

• Good: This often has the cheapest starting price at 65.
• Not so good: It can get pricey later. By your late 70s or 80s, you might pay a lot more.

Which One Is Best?

There is no single right answer. Here is how I think about it:

• If you want the lowest price right now, attained-age plans often win at first.
• If you plan to keep your plan for 15 or 20 years, issue-age or community-rated plans may cost less over time.

When I get a quote, I always ask, “Which rating method does this plan use?” I also ask how much the company has raised prices in the last few years. A cheap plan with big yearly increases can end up costing more than a pricier plan that stays steady.

Some states only allow one method. For example, New York and Connecticut use community rating.

The Other Costs You Pay With Plan G

With Plan G, your premium isn’t your only bill. Most people with Plan G pay about $4,900 a year in total before drug coverage. Here is what goes into that.

Your Part B Premium

You must have Part B to buy Plan G. In 2026, the standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month. That is up from $185 in 2025. You pay this to Medicare, not to your Plan G company.

If you earn more than $109,000 a year (or $218,000 for a married couple), you pay more. This extra charge is called IRMAA. It is based on your tax return from two years before.

Your Part B Deductible

This is the one gap Plan G does not fill. In 2026, it is $283 for the year. Once you pay it, Plan G picks up almost everything else.

Your Part A Premium

Most people pay $0 for Part A. That is because they or their spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.

Your Drug Plan

Plan G does not cover prescription drugs. You will want a Part D plan. The average stand-alone Part D premium is expected to be about $34.50 a month in 2026.

Let’s Add It Up

Here is a sample year for a 65-year-old woman paying the average Plan G price:

That may look like a lot. But here is why I like Plan G anyway. That number barely changes, even in a bad health year. If you have surgery, a long hospital stay, or cancer treatment, your medical bills stay close to the same. You mostly pay drug costs on top. That kind of peace of mind is worth a lot to me.

What About High-Deductible Plan G?

High-Deductible Plan G costs much less each month, often around $30 to $65. The catch is a $2,950 deductible in 2026. That deductible includes the $283 Part B deductible.

Here is how it works in plain words:

1. You pay your medical bills until you spend $2,950 for the year.
2. Medicare still pays its share (usually 80% of doctor bills) during that time.
3. You pay the rest, like the 20% coinsurance, until you reach $2,950.
4. After that, the plan works just like regular Plan G. It pays almost everything for the rest of the year.

Is It a Good Deal?

Let me show you how I compare them. Say regular Plan G costs $180 a month and High-Deductible Plan G costs $50 a month.

• Regular Plan G: $180 × 12 = $2,160 a year in premiums
• High-Deductible Plan G: $50 × 12 = $600 a year in premiums
• Savings on premiums: $1,560 a year

Now think about a bad year. With High-Deductible Plan G, the most you would pay in medical costs is $2,950. With regular Plan G, it is $283. So the high-deductible plan could cost you up to $2,667 more in a bad year.

In a healthy year, you keep the $1,560 savings. In a rough year, you could come out about $1,100 behind.

Who High-Deductible Plan G May Fit

• People who are healthy and rarely see a doctor
• People with savings to cover a $2,950 surprise
• People who want strong coverage for big events, like a hospital stay, but want a low monthly bill.

Who May Want Regular Plan G

• People with ongoing health problems
• People who see doctors or specialists often
• People who want a steady, easy budget with no big surprises

Plan G vs. Plan F vs. Plan N

For most new members, Plan G gives the best mix of coverage and price. Plan N costs less but has small copays. Plan F covers a little more but costs more and is closed to many people.

Plan G vs. Plan F

The only difference is the $283 Part B deductible. Plan F pays it. Plan G does not. But Plan F often costs more than $283 extra per year. So for many people who can still buy Plan F, Plan G is the better deal. I do the math every time, and Plan G usually wins.

Plan G vs. Plan N

Plan N saves money on premiums. But you pay small copays when you see a doctor or go to the ER. You also are not covered for Part B excess charges.

Here is how I decide:

• Pick Plan N if you are healthy, see a doctor only a few times a year, and live in a state where few doctors charge excess charges.
• Pick Plan G if you want no surprise bills, see doctors often, or travel and use doctors in many states.

9 Ways I Save Money on Plan G

The easiest way to pay less for Plan G is to compare prices from several companies. Since every Plan G is the same, you are only shopping for price and service. Here are my favorite tips.

1. Get at least 5 quotes. I have seen gaps of $50 or more a month between companies for the same plan. That is $600 a year!
2. Buy during your open enrollment. This is your best shot at the lowest price with no health questions.
3. Ask about the rating method. Know if the plan is community, issue-age, or attained-age rated before you buy.
4. Look at rate history. Ask how much the company raised prices over the last 3 to 5 years. Steady is good.
5. Ask about household discounts. If you live with a spouse or partner, you might save 5% to 12%.
6. Pay the smart way. Some companies give a small discount for automatic bank payments or paying for the whole year.
7. Quit tobacco if you can. It is good for your health, and it can lower your premium over time.
8. Consider a high-deductible plan. If you are healthy and have savings, it can cut your monthly bill a lot.
9. Shop again later, carefully. If your price jumps, you can look at other companies. You may have to answer health questions, so don’t cancel your old plan until the new one says yes.

Where I Look for Prices

• Medicare.gov has a Medigap plan finder. Enter your ZIP code to see companies in your area.
• Your state’s SHIP program gives free, unbiased Medicare help. SHIP stands for State Health Insurance Assistance Program.
• A licensed independent agent can pull quotes from many companies at once. Most do not charge you for this. The insurance company pays them.

Plan G Cost FAQ

These are the questions people ask me most about Plan G prices.

Q: What is the average cost of Plan G in 2026?

A: About $180 a month for a 65-year-old woman who does not smoke. Your price could be higher or lower based on age, location, and the company you pick.

Q: Does Plan G go up in price every year?

A: Usually, yes. Most plans raise prices a little each year because health care costs rise. Attained-age plans also go up as you get older.

Q: Does Plan G have a deductible?

A: Regular Plan G does not have its own deductible. You only pay the Part B deductible, which is $283 in 2026. High-Deductible Plan G has a $2,950 deductible in 2026.

Q: Is Plan G worth the money?

A: For many people, yes. You pay a set amount each month, and your medical bills stay very low, even in a bad year. If you like knowing what you will spend, Plan G is hard to beat.

Q: Can I see any doctor with Plan G?

A: Yes. You can see any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. There are no networks and no referrals needed.

Q: Does Plan G cover prescription drugs?

A: No. You need a separate Part D plan for drugs.

Q: Can I switch from Plan G to another plan to save money?

A: You can try. But after your open enrollment ends, most companies can ask health questions. They may charge more or say no. Always get approved for a new plan before you cancel your current one.

Q: Why do two companies charge different prices for the same Plan G?

A: Each company sets its own price. They look at their costs, their members, and how they rate by age. The coverage is the same, so I always shop around.

Q: Is Plan G cheaper than Medicare Advantage?

A: Usually not every month. Many Medicare Advantage plans have low or $0 premiums. But they have networks, copays, and yearly out-of-pocket limits that can reach several thousand dollars. Plan G costs more each month but keeps your medical bills low and lets you see any doctor who takes Medicare.

My Final Thoughts on Plan G Cost

So, how much does Medicare Plan G cost? In 2026, expect about $100 to $300 a month, with a national average near $180 for a 65-year-old woman who does not smoke. Add the $202.90 Part B premium and the $283 Part B deductible, and most people spend about $4,900 a year before drug coverage.

Here is what I want you to take away:

• Every Plan G has the same benefits. Only the price changes.
• Your age, ZIP code, gender, and tobacco use shape your price.
• Your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period is the best time to buy.
• The rating method decides how your price grows over time.
• High-Deductible Plan G can save money if you are healthy and have savings.
• Shopping around is the easiest way to save.

Plan G is not the cheapest Medicare option each month. But for me, the peace of mind is worth it. I know that a big hospital bill will not wipe out my savings. If that matters to you too, Plan G may be a great fit.

My last bit of advice? Do not just pick the first quote you see. Compare at least five companies, ask good questions, and choose the one that fits your budget today and down the road.

Why choose Steve Turner Insurance Specialist?

Because I’m an “Insurance Specialist.” An “insurance specialist” is a broad term that includes insurance agents and insurance brokers, but the key difference is who the agent represents versus who the broker represents.

An “insurance agent” works directly for an insurance company and sells its specific policies to clients.

An “insurance broker” acts as an independent intermediary, comparing policies from multiple companies to find the best fit for their client’s needs, essentially representing the client rather than the insurance company.

I am both a licensed Insurance Agent and a licensed Insurance Broker.

My number one goal in life is to help people and ensure, without a shadow of a doubt, that you and your family are secure and protected. I will always be by your side, helping you mitigate risk by providing the industry’s best and most affordable insurance solutions.

I will find insurance plans for the entire family to help cover whatever life throws at you. I can help you save on severe medical emergencies, find a health insurance plan with low- or no-cost doctor visits and affordable prescription medications, and protect your family in the event of an unexpected accident or illness.

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