Medicare Plan F vs. Plan G: Which One Saves You More Money?

When choosing a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, two of the most popular options are Plan F and Plan G. Both offer extensive coverage that helps reduce out-of-pocket costs, but there are key differences that impact cost-effectiveness.

In this guide, we’ll break down the pros, cons, and cost differences between Medicare Plan F and Plan G to help you determine which is the better fit for your needs.

What Are Medicare Supplement Plans?

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans are private insurance policies that help cover the costs that Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not pay in full, such as:

• Deductibles
• Copayments
• Coinsurance

Medigap plans work alongside Original Medicare, but they do not cover prescription drugs, vision, dental, or hearing services.

Among the available Medigap options, Plan F and Plan G offer the most comprehensive coverage. Let’s compare them.

Medicare Plan F: Overview

Medicare Plan F provides the most extensive coverage of all Medigap plans. It covers:

• Medicare Part A Deductible & Coinsurance
• Medicare Part B Deductible & Coinsurance
• Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance
• Foreign Travel Emergency Coverage

Plan F Cost & Availability

• Premiums: Higher than Plan G due to full coverage.
• Availability: Only available to those who qualified for Medicare before January 1, 2020.

Medicare Plan G: Overview

Medicare Plan G offers almost the same benefits as Plan F, with one key difference:

🚨 It does NOT cover the Medicare Part B deductible.

Plan G Cost & Availability

• Premiums: Typically lower than Plan F.
• Availability: Open to all Medicare beneficiaries.

Key Differences Between Plan F and Plan G

The following Medigap Plan Comparison Chart shows the coverage differences between all plans. Plan G does not cover the Part B deductible, which begs the question, is that coverage worth the cost?

High Deductible Plan F & Plan G

Both Plan F and Plan G offer a High Deductible (HD) version. These plans have lower premiums but require you to pay a higher out-of-pocket deductible before coverage begins.

High Deductible Plan F (HDF)

High Deductible Plan F offers the same benefits as regular Plan F but requires you to meet a high deductible of $2,900 before coverage kicks in.

Learn more: Medicare High Deductible Plan F

High Deductible Plan G (HDG)

High Deductible Plan G functions like regular Plan G, except you must pay a high deductible of $2,900 before it covers expenses.

Since Plan F is no longer available to new enrollees, many are choosing HDG as a low-cost alternative.

Learn more: Medicare High Deductible Plan G

Pros and Cons of Medicare Plan F

Pros:

• Covers ALL Medicare-approved expenses.
• No out-of-pocket costs for covered services.
• Predictable costs.

Cons:

• Higher premiums.
• Not available to new enrollees.
• May not be cost-effective compared to Plan G.

Pros and Cons of Medicare Plan G

Pros:

• Lower premiums than Plan F.
• Covers almost everything except the Part B deductible.
• Available to all Medicare beneficiaries.

Cons:

• Part B deductible must be paid out-of-pocket.
• Premiums vary by location and provider.

Plan F vs. Plan G: Which One Is More Cost-Effective?

Example Cost Comparison

Plan	Monthly Premium	Annual Cost	Part B Deductible	Total Cost
Plan F	$150	$1,800	$0	$1,800
Plan G	$100	$1,200	$240	$1,200 + $240

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I switch from Plan F to Plan G?

✅ Yes, but you may have to go through medical underwriting unless you qualify for a guaranteed issue right.

Q2: Why is Plan G cheaper if it’s nearly the same as Plan F?

✅ Because it doesn’t cover the Part B deductible and has a larger, healthier risk pool, keeping premiums lower.

Q3: How much is the Medicare Part B deductible in 2025?

✅ The 2025 Part B deductible is $257.

Q4: Can I still enroll in Plan F if I became eligible for Medicare after 2020?

❌ No, Plan F is only available to those eligible before January 1, 2020.

Conclusion

Which plan is better?

• If you already have Plan F, it may be worth keeping—but compare costs annually.
• If you qualify for both, Plan G is usually the smarter choice.

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