Medigap is private supplemental insurance that helps pay Original Medicare (Part A and B) costs like deductibles and coinsurance. With some exceptions, Plan N covers all out-of-pocket Part B costs.

Medicare supplemental insurance, or Medigap plans, are standardized the same way in all states except Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plan N is one of the ten standardized Medigap plan options available in 47 out of 50 states.

Keep reading to learn more about Medicare Supplement Plan N, including what it covers and doesn’t cover, and how to purchase one.

Medicare Supplement Plan N, also called Medigap Plan N, is one of the 10 available Medigap plans. It was developed for people willing to pay for some copays and a small annual deductible for lower premium costs, which is the amount you pay annually for the plan.

Medicare Supplement Plan N coverage includes:

  • 100% of Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up
  • 100% of the Part A deductible
  • 100% of Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
  • 100% of the first 3 pints of blood
  • 100% of skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
  • 100% of Part B coinsurance or copayment, except for some copayments required for certain doctor visits and emergency room services
  • 80% of foreign travel exchange

It does not cover:

Medigap plans don’t cover medical care. As such, Medigap Plan N doesn’t cover:

If you want outpatient prescription drug coverage, you can purchase Medicare Part D.

If you would like dental, vision, and hearing coverage, consider a Medicare Advantage Plan. However, you cannot have both Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans.

Medigap Plan N provides broad coverage for costs remaining after Original Medicare pays its share, so long as you seek medical care with a provider who accepts Medicare. It helps you manage predictable out-of-pocket costs and covers 80% of emergency medical expenses during foreign travel.

However, plan N also requires small copayments for some doctor and emergency room visits and doesn’t cover Medicare Part B excess charges in states where they apply. Excess charges are extra fees you might owe if you see a doctor who doesn’t accept Medicare’s approved payment rate, and they can be as much as 15% higher than the amount Medicare allows for a particular service.

Plan N also does not pay for the Medicare Part B deductible, which is $257 in 2025 and is adjusted annually. In addition, you’ll need to pay a separate premium for Plan N on top of your regular Part B premium.

Which is better, Medicare Plan G or N?

The plan’s premiums are typically lower than those for Plan G, yet it offers similar benefits, including full coverage of the Medicare Part A deductible.

Medigap policies are available to help fill the gap between what Original Medicare pays and what you pay for medical treatment.

Choices

There are 10 Medigap Plans (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N) with different coverage and premiums. This allows you to choose coverage based on your needs and budget.

Payment

When receiving a Medicare-approved treatment:

  1. Medicare pays its share of the Medicare-approved amount.
  2. Your Medigap policy pays its portion.
  3. You pay your share (if any).

Eligibility

To be eligible for any Medigap plan, including Medicare Supplement Plan N, you must have original Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance).

Spousal coverage

Your Medigap plan only covers you. Your spouse, if eligible for Medicare, would need to purchase a separate policy.

Once you have original Medicare, you can purchase a Medigap policy from an insurance company. Many people consult with a trusted family member, a friend with a current Medigap policy, or an insurance agent to pick a specific plan and company.

Others may contact their state’s State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) for guidance. Your SHIP should be able to provide free help in choosing a policy and a Medigap rate comparison guide.

Your state most likely has more than one insurance company selling Medigap policies. Often, the cost of the same coverage varies from company to company.

Medicare Supplement Plan N coverage is one of 10 federally standardized options to help fill “gaps “in original Medicare coverage. It’s an option for people who want broad coverage but, to lower their premiums, are willing to pay for some copays and a small annual deductible.

Like all Medigap plans, Medicare Supplement Plan N coverage does not include prescription drugs. If you want prescription coverage, you can purchase Medicare Part D. Medicare Plan N does not cover dental, vision, or hearing.

If you want coverage for these services, consider a Medicare Advantage plan. You can have either a Medicare Advantage or a Medigap Plan, but not both.