The Core Difference: Coverage vs. Cost
Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medigap choices for Florida seniors turning 65 in 2026. Both are standardized — meaning every insurance company must offer identical coverage for each plan type. The difference comes down to one question: how often do you use medical care?
Plan G covers nearly everything Medicare doesn't, with one exception: the annual Part B deductible ($257 in 2026). After you pay that once per year, you have virtually no out-of-pocket exposure for any Medicare-covered service.
Plan N costs $40–$60 less per month but requires small copays: up to $20 per doctor visit and up to $50 per emergency room visit (waived if admitted). Plan N also does not cover Part B excess charges — amounts providers can charge above Medicare's approved rate.
2026 Premium Comparison: What Florida Seniors Actually Pay
Premiums vary by age, ZIP code, tobacco use, and insurance carrier — but here are real averages for Florida in 2026:
Plan G Florida Premiums:
- Orlando area: $125–$195/month
- Tampa area: $130–$200/month
- Jacksonville area: $125–$195/month
- Miami/Fort Lauderdale: $140–$220/month
- The Villages: $120–$185/month
Plan N Florida Premiums:
- Orlando area: $80–$140/month
- Tampa area: $85–$145/month
- Jacksonville area: $80–$138/month
- Miami/Fort Lauderdale: $90–$155/month
- The Villages: $78–$132/month
The monthly savings from choosing Plan N over Plan G typically run $45–$65/month — or $540–$780/year.
When Plan G Wins
Plan G is the right choice when:
- You manage chronic conditions and see multiple specialists regularly. Frequent visits mean copays add up fast with Plan N.
- You want absolute cost predictability. With Plan G, your maximum annual exposure is the $257 Part B deductible. Period.
- Your doctors don't accept Medicare assignment. Florida has many doctors who charge Part B excess charges. Plan G covers these in full; Plan N does not.
- Peace of mind matters. Many Florida seniors find the slightly higher premium worth the certainty of zero surprise bills.
When Plan N Wins
Plan N is the better choice when:
- You're generally healthy and visit the doctor 2–4 times per year. Even with copays, your total out-of-pocket likely stays below the Plan G premium difference.
- Budget matters. Saving $50/month ($600/year) is meaningful. Over 10 years that's $6,000 — potentially more than you'd ever spend on Plan N copays.
- Your doctors accept Medicare assignment. Most Florida providers do, which eliminates the Part B excess charge risk entirely.
- You're younger and enrolling at 65. Starting with lower premiums and switching later if health changes is a reasonable strategy — though switching requires medical underwriting outside your Open Enrollment Period.
The Break-Even Math
If Plan G costs $60/month more than Plan N, you need to spend more than $720/year in Plan N copays to make Plan G the better deal.
At $20 per doctor visit, that's 36 office visits per year to break even — unlikely for most seniors. Even at 10 visits per year ($200 in copays), Plan N saves you $520 annually.
The math favors Plan N for healthy seniors. Plan G wins when chronic conditions mean frequent specialist visits or when Part B excess charges are a real risk in your area.
Bottom line: Both plans are excellent. The right choice depends on your personal health situation. Our licensed Florida specialists compare real quotes from 20+ carriers so you can make this decision with real numbers.