Medigap Plan G is Medicare Supplement Insurance sold by private insurance companies. It works with Original Medicare, Part A and Part B. Original Medicare pays its share of Medicare-approved amounts first, and Plan G may then pay covered cost-sharing under the policy.
Medigap is not Medicare Advantage. You cannot use a Medigap policy to pay Medicare Advantage cost-sharing, and federal rules generally prohibit having both types of coverage at the same time. If you choose Medicare Advantage, review how to leave or suspend Medigap before making a change.
What Plan G covers
In most states, the same-letter Medigap policies have the same basic benefits regardless of the insurer. Medicare’s benefit comparison chart shows that standard Plan G covers:
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs for up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used
- Part B coinsurance or copayments, after the Part B deductible has been met
- The first three pints of blood
- Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments
- Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
- The Part A deductible
- Part B excess charges, when allowed under federal and state law
- 80% of foreign travel emergency costs, up to the plan’s limits
Plan G does not cover the Part B deductible. In 2026, the Part B deductible is $283, but this amount is subject to change. Plan G also does not cover prescription drugs, routine dental or vision care, hearing aids, glasses, long-term care, or private-duty nursing. Medicare’s Medigap coverage guide explains these limits.
How much does Plan G cost?
The federal government standardizes benefits, not the price. Insurers set premiums, and prices can differ by insurer, location, age-rating method, tobacco use, discounts, and other factors allowed by law. Compare the premium and rating method, not just the plan letter.
Some states and insurers offer a high-deductible Plan G. Medicare’s 2026 comparison chart says you must pay Medicare-covered cost-sharing up to a $2,950 deductible before that high-deductible policy pays anything. Confirm availability and the current amount in your state before relying on this option.
When is the best time to buy?
Your one-time six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period starts when you are 65 or older and enrolled in Part B. During this period, an insurer generally cannot refuse to sell you a policy or use medical underwriting to deny coverage because of pre-existing health problems. You may also have more choices and better pricing than you would later.
Outside this period, an insurer may be able to use medical underwriting, charge more, or deny an application, unless you have a federal guaranteed-issue right or additional protection under Texas law. Medicare advises checking with your state insurance department about those rights. The Texas Department of Insurance consumer resources provide a starting point for Texas insurance questions.
Plan G and prescription drugs
Plan G does not include Part D. If you have Original Medicare and Plan G and want prescription drug coverage, compare a separate Part D plan. Do not drop creditable drug coverage without checking whether a late enrollment penalty could apply.
Is Plan G right for you?
Plan G may appeal to someone who wants broad predictable cost-sharing coverage with Original Medicare and is willing to pay a separate monthly premium. It may not be a fit if the premium, medical underwriting risk outside open enrollment, or lack of built-in drug and routine dental coverage does not match your needs. Compare total costs, provider access, travel patterns, and prescription coverage before enrolling.
This is educational information, not individualized insurance advice. A licensed agent or free SHIP counselor can explain available choices, and Medicare’s Medigap policy finder can help you locate policies.
Before you act
Compare standardized benefits, premiums, and enrollment protections for the year you are considering. Confirm Texas-specific rights with Medicare, the Texas Department of Insurance, SHIP, or a licensed professional before applying or switching.
Suggested internal links
- Suggested: Medicare Advantage Plans in Texas
- Suggested: Medicare Part D Explained
- Suggested: Does Medicare Cover Dental?