Medicare Supplement Plan N: What It Covers in 2026
A lower-premium alternative to Plan G. Plan N covers most of the same gaps, with two trade-offs: copays at the doctor, and no protection from excess charges.
Typical Monthly Premium
$80–$180
Usually $40–$70/mo less than Plan G
2026 Part A Deductible
$1,736
Fully covered by Plan N
Doctor Visit Copay
Up to $20
Per office visit (up to $50 for ER if not admitted)
What Plan N Covers
Like all Medigap plans, Plan N benefits are standardized. The same benefits apply regardless of which carrier you choose—only the premium changes between companies.
| Benefit | Plan N Coverage |
|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance and hospital costs (up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used) | Covered |
| Part A deductible | Covered |
| Part B coinsurance or copayment | Copay (up to $20/visit; up to $50 for ER visits not resulting in admission) |
| Part B deductible | Not Covered |
| Part B excess charges | Not Covered |
| Blood (first 3 pints) | Covered |
| Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment | Covered |
| Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance | Covered |
| Foreign travel emergency (up to plan limits) | Covered (80% after a $250 deductible) |
Medigap plans are standardized in every state except Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, which use their own plan structures.
Plan N vs. Plan G: The Real Difference
Both plans cover the Part A deductible, skilled nursing, and foreign travel. The gap between them comes down to three things:
What Plan N doesn't cover that Plan G does:
1. Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) — you pay this once per year
2. Part B copays — up to $20 per doctor visit, up to $50 for ER visits (if not admitted)
3. Part B excess charges — if a provider doesn't accept Medicare assignment, they can charge up to 15% above the Medicare-approved amount; Plan G covers this, Plan N doesn't
The question to ask: would the premium savings over a year outrun what you'd spend in copays and deductibles? For many healthier Medicare enrollees who see a doctor 4–6 times per year, the math often favors Plan N. For people with frequent specialist visits or providers who don't accept Medicare assignment, Plan G may be the safer pick.
Who Plan N Is Best For
Good fit if you:
- Are in good health and visit the doctor a manageable number of times per year
- Want to keep Medicare's freedom—any provider that accepts Medicare, no network
- Can verify your providers accept Medicare assignment (most do)
- Would rather keep premium savings in your pocket vs. paying for coverage you may not use
- Travel internationally and want emergency coverage outside the U.S.
Probably not a fit if you:
- See specialists frequently—copays of $20/visit add up quickly with high utilization
- Use providers who don't accept Medicare assignment (excess charges apply)
- Want the absolute simplest, most predictable cost structure (Plan G may be better)
- Are newly eligible and want guaranteed issue into the highest-coverage plan available
Compare Other Plan Letters
Not sure if Plan N beats Plan G for your situation? We'll run the numbers with you based on your specific doctors and how often you use care.
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