Medicare Supplement Plan G costs vary by insurance company, your age, and where you live, but you can expect to pay anywhere from roughly $100 to $300 per month in most states.

Plan G is one of the most popular Medicare supplement plans because it covers many of the costs that Original Medicare leaves you responsible for — including the Part B deductible, coinsurance, and copayments. The actual premium you pay depends on three main factors: which insurance company sells the plan, whether you're newly may be able to access for Medicare or switching from another plan, and your location.

Insurance companies set their own prices for Plan G, so two companies in your state can charge very different amounts for the identical coverage. Some companies charge less if you enroll within a few months of turning 65 or becoming Medicare-may be able to access; others charge the same rate to everyone. Your age at enrollment also matters — the older you are when you first buy Plan G, the higher your premium is likely to be, and it typically increases each year as you age.

Key Takeaways

  • Plan G premiums typically range from $100 to $300 per month depending on your age, location, and the insurance company you choose.
  • Each insurance company sets its own price for Plan G, so comparing quotes from multiple insurers in your state can save you hundreds of dollars per year.
  • Your age when you first enroll in Plan G affects your premium — enrolling closer to age 65 usually costs less than waiting until you're older.
  • Some states allow companies to raise premiums based on age increases, while others cap how much the premium can go up each year.
  • Plan G covers the Part B deductible (currently $240 per year) and other out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare does not pay.

How insurance companies price Plan G

Insurance companies use one of three pricing methods for Medicare supplement plans, and the method they choose affects how your premium changes over time. The most common method is age-based pricing, where your premium increases as you get older. A second method, called issue-age pricing, locks in a rate based on your age when you first buy the plan — your premium may still increase each year, but the increases are usually smaller because they're based on inflation rather than your age. A third method, no-age rating, charges everyone the same premium regardless of age, though this is rare for Plan G.

Ask each insurance company which pricing method they use before you compare quotes. Two companies with the same starting premium can end up very different in cost over five or ten years if one uses age-based pricing and the other uses issue-age pricing.

When you enroll affects what you pay

The best time to buy Plan G is during your Medigap open enrollment period, which runs for six months starting the month you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B. During this window, insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge you more because of health problems — a protection called may provide issue. If you enroll in Plan G during this period, you lock in a rate based on your age at that time.

If you miss the open enrollment period and try to buy Plan G later, insurance companies can charge you more or deny you coverage altogether if you have certain health conditions. Some states have additional open enrollment periods if you lose other coverage, but the rules vary. Waiting to enroll typically costs you more money in the long run, even if the monthly premium seems lower at first.

Comparing Plan G quotes in your state

Because each insurance company sets its own price, the only way to know what Plan G will cost you is to get quotes from multiple companies. You can contact insurance companies directly by phone, visit their websites, or use the Medicare Plan Finder tool at Medicare.gov, which shows plans available in your zip code and their premiums.

When you compare quotes, make sure you're looking at the same plan — Plan G is standardized, so the coverage is identical no matter which company sells it. The only differences are the monthly premium, the company's customer service reputation, and whether they offer any discounts (some companies offer small discounts for paying by automatic bank transfer or for being a long-term customer). Write down the premium for each company and add up what you'd pay over a year to see the real difference.

What Plan G covers that Original Medicare does not

Plan G pays for the Part B deductible, which is currently $240 per year. It also covers 20% coinsurance for most services that Original Medicare covers at 80% — meaning you pay nothing out of pocket for those services. Plan G covers copayments for emergency room visits (though only if you're admitted to the hospital afterward) and covers the cost of a second opinion before surgery.

Plan G does not cover dental, vision, hearing aids, or prescription drugs — those require separate coverage. It also does not cover services that Original Medicare does not cover, such as routine eye exams or dentures. If you need prescription drug coverage, you'll need to enroll in a separate Part D plan, which has its own monthly premium.

How your premium changes each year

Your Plan G premium will increase at least once per year, though the amount varies by company and state. Some increases are tied to your age (if the company uses age-based pricing), while others reflect the rising cost of healthcare or the company's claims experience. A few states regulate how much insurance companies can raise premiums each year, but most do not.

You have the right to switch to a different Plan G offered by a different company if your premium increases too much, though you may face medical underwriting if you switch outside of an open enrollment period. Some people switch companies every few years to keep their premium lower. Keep track of your renewal notice each year and compare it to quotes from other companies to see whether staying or switching makes sense for your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Plan G the cheapest Medicare supplement plan?

No. Plan N and Plan D are usually cheaper than Plan G, though they cover less. Plan G is popular because it covers the Part B deductible and most coinsurance, which means lower out-of-pocket costs when you use healthcare, even if the monthly premium is higher. Whether Plan G is worth the extra cost depends on how much healthcare you expect to use.

Can I switch from Plan G to a different plan later?

Yes, but the rules depend on when you switch. If you switch during an open enrollment period, insurance companies cannot deny you or charge you more because of health problems. If you switch outside open enrollment, the new company can underwrite your health and may deny you or charge you more. Some people stay with Plan G to avoid this risk.

Does Plan G cover prescription drugs?

No. Plan G covers only the gaps in Original Medicare coverage. Prescription drugs are covered by a separate Medicare Part D plan, which you choose during your initial enrollment or during the annual open enrollment period. You pay a separate monthly premium for Part D.

What happens to my Plan G premium if I move to a different state?

Your current Plan G coverage ends when you move, and you'll need to enroll in a new plan in your new state. You may be able to enroll in Plan G without medical underwriting if you move during an open enrollment period or within a certain timeframe of your move, depending on your state's rules. Contact your current insurance company and your new state's insurance commissioner's office to understand your options.

Can I get Plan G if I have pre-existing health conditions?

During your Medigap open enrollment period (the six months after you turn 65 and enroll in Part B), insurance companies cannot deny you Plan G or charge you more because of health conditions. If you enroll outside this window, companies can underwrite your health and may deny you or charge you a higher premium. This is why enrolling during open enrollment is important.