How to Compare Medicare Supplement Plan G Policies: Benefits, Premiums, and Hidden Cost Differences

Choosing a Medicare Supplement Plan G policy involves more than finding the lowest monthly premium. Although Plan G benefits are standardized in most states, insurance companies can charge different prices for the same basic coverage. Premium increases, discounts, enrollment rules, and the difference between standard and high-deductible Plan G can all affect what you pay over time.

If you are considering coverage from Aetna, start by reviewing its Aetna Medicare Supplement Plan G, then compare its quoted price and policy terms with other Plan G options available in your state.

1. Compare the benefits first—not just the insurance company

In most states, standardized Plan G policies provide the same core benefits for that plan letter, subject to applicable state rules and policy terms. Differences generally involve premiums, pricing practices, discounts, availability, and eligibility or underwriting requirements.

Standard Plan G generally helps pay for:

• Medicare Part A hospital coinsurance and hospital costs for up to 365 additional days after Original Medicare benefits are used.
• Part A hospice-care coinsurance or copayments.
• Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance for Medicare-covered care.
• The Medicare Part A deductible.
• Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments after the applicable Part B deductible is met.
• The first three pints of blood when covered under plan rules.
• Medicare Part B excess charges, when applicable.
• Certain foreign-travel emergency medical costs, subject to plan limits.

The key point: If two companies offer standard Plan G in your state, do not assume one provides better core coverage simply because its marketing materials list more benefits. Check whether advertised extras are genuinely additional or descriptions of benefits already included in standardized Plan G.

2. Understand the Part B deductible you still have to pay

Standard Plan G does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible. You generally pay it yourself each calendar year before the plan starts paying its share of covered Part B coinsurance or copayments.

For 2026, the annual Medicare Part B deductible is $283. This amount can change in future years, so use the figure applicable to the year you are comparing policies.

For example, you may have to pay the applicable Part B deductible before Plan G begins covering eligible Part B coinsurance. Once that deductible is satisfied, Plan G generally covers the standardized Part B coinsurance or copayment for Medicare-covered services.

3. Compare the total yearly cost—not just the monthly premium

The monthly premium is only one part of your cost. Add the annual premiums and expected out-of-pocket costs that the policy does not cover, then account for any discounts.

Estimated annual cost = 12 monthly premiums + expected uncovered out-of-pocket costs − applicable discounts

For standard Plan G, include the Part B deductible in your estimate if you expect to incur enough covered Part B expenses to pay it. Also account for expenses outside Medicare and Plan G coverage, such as routine dental care or prescription drugs.

Illustrative comparison (these are examples, not actual insurer quotes):

The example assumes both policies are standard Plan G, uses the 2026 Part B deductible, and excludes discounts and other expenses. Policy A would cost $180 less per year before other costs. Still, compare pricing method, eligibility, discounts, and rate history before choosing.

A low current quote does not guarantee the lowest long-term cost. Premiums can vary by insurer and location, and rates may increase over time.

4. Ask how the insurer sets premiums and how they may change

Medicare Supplement insurers use different pricing methods. Ask the insurer to identify the method used for the exact policy you are considering.

Ask these questions before buying:

• What is my exact monthly premium today?
• Which pricing method applies to this policy?
• Can you provide available premium rate history for this policy and area?
• Are future increases tied to age, broader rate adjustments, or other factors?
• Are any discounts temporary or conditional?

Past rate changes can provide context but do not guarantee future premiums.

5. Check which discounts you actually qualify for

Depending on the insurer, state, and policy, discounts may include household or spousal discounts, non-smoker discounts, or discounts associated with certain payment methods. Availability and eligibility rules differ.

Ask for the criteria, discount amount, duration, and whether the discount can change. For a fair comparison, request the final premium after all discounts you qualify for and ask whether any policy fees apply.

6. Compare standard Plan G with High-Deductible Plan G

Some insurers offer a high-deductible version of Plan G in certain states. It has the same basic standardized benefits, but the insurer does not begin paying those benefits until you have paid qualifying costs up to the plan deductible.

For 2026, the High-Deductible Plan G deductible is $2,950. This is separate from the regular Medicare Part B deductible of $283. Availability and policy terms vary by state.

• Standard Plan G: You pay the monthly premium and applicable Part B deductible; the policy then covers eligible Plan G benefits under its terms.
• High-Deductible Plan G: The premium may be lower, but you first pay qualifying covered costs up to the plan deductible before the insurer begins paying its share.

Compare annual premium savings with the additional amount you could have to pay before benefits begin. Consider whether you could comfortably afford that amount in a year with substantial medical care.

7. Understand the costs Plan G does not cover

Standard Plan G does not generally cover:

• The Medicare Part B deductible.
• Outpatient prescription drugs; a separate Medicare Part D plan may be needed.
• Routine dental care, routine vision care, eyeglasses, or hearing aids.
• Long-term custodial care, such as ongoing assistance with daily activities in a nursing home.
• Private-duty nursing.

These exclusions matter when estimating your overall healthcare budget. Plan G can help with eligible Medicare cost-sharing while leaving you responsible for expenses outside its benefits.

Plan G may cover 80% of eligible foreign-travel emergency medical costs after the applicable deductible, subject to policy conditions and limits. Do not assume all overseas medical care is covered.

8. Check underwriting and enrollment rules before switching

Outside the federal Medigap Open Enrollment Period or without a guaranteed-issue right, an insurer may be allowed to use medical underwriting, depending on state law. This can affect whether you qualify and what you pay.

The federal Medigap Open Enrollment Period generally lasts six months, beginning in the first month you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, you have important protections related to pre-existing health conditions. State rules may provide additional protections.

If you want to change insurers, do not cancel your current policy before confirming that the replacement has been approved and you understand its effective date and terms. Check whether underwriting or other restrictions apply.

9. Use the same checklist for every Plan G quote

• What is my exact monthly premium for standard Plan G?
• Is the policy available in my ZIP code and state?
• What pricing method does the insurer use?
• Which discounts do I qualify for, and what conditions apply?
• What rate-change history can the insurer provide?
• Is medical underwriting required for my application?
• Are there state-specific policy provisions I should understand?
• What are the premium and deductible for High-Deductible Plan G?
• Where can I review the official policy documents?

You can also review Medicare’s official guidance: Medigap costs and price comparison.

How Medicare Sharks can help

Medicare Sharks can help readers understand Medicare Supplement options, review Plan G coverage details, and explore considerations when comparing policies from insurers such as Aetna. Its Aetna Plan G resource is a useful starting point before requesting current quotes and confirming availability, pricing, and eligibility directly with the insurer.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not an insurance quote or guarantee of coverage. Benefits, premiums, discounts, underwriting rules, and availability can vary by state and individual circumstances. Confirm current details with the insurer and review official policy documents before enrolling.