Dennis Jarvis, serving California since 1999. No cost, no pressure.
Medigap Plan G in California (2026)
- Plan G is the most comprehensive widely-available Medigap plan, it covers everything except the small annual Part B deductible.
- It's now the most popular plan in California (~71% of new policies).
- Because benefits are standardized, every carrier's Plan G is identical, you're only shopping price and stability.
- Plan G rates have been rising fast lately, and increases vary a lot by carrier.
- California's Birthday Rule lets you switch Plan G carriers each year to chase the best price, without underwriting.
Plan G is the gold standard of Medicare Supplement plans, and for good reason. It covers virtually all of your out-of-pocket Medicare costs, lets you see any doctor nationwide, and has become the most popular choice in California. Here's everything you need to know, including the rate reality most sites won't show you.
What Does Plan G Cover?
Plan G covers essentially everything Original Medicare leaves you owing, except the annual Part B deductible (a relatively small amount). After you pay that once per year, Plan G picks up:
The Part A deductible
Covers the hospital deductible per benefit period, which can be over $1,600 each time.
The uncapped 20%
Covers your 20% Part B coinsurance, the big one. No more unlimited exposure.
Foreign travel emergency
Includes emergency care during foreign travel (up to plan limits).
Excess charges & more
Covers Part B excess charges, skilled nursing coinsurance, and the first 3 pints of blood.
The only thing you pay is that once-a-year Part B deductible. After that, for Medicare-covered services, you're essentially covered, with any doctor in the country who accepts Medicare.
Why Plan G Is So Popular
Plan G now makes up around 71% of new Medigap policies in California. It became the default when Plan F closed to people newly eligible for Medicare, and because it offers nearly identical coverage to Plan F for a lower premium. If you want maximum, predictable protection, Plan G is usually the answer.
What Does Plan G Cost in California?
Here's what most sites won't show you, real Plan G rates from California's three biggest carriers:
Notice they're all the same coverage at different prices. Since a Plan G is a Plan G, that price gap is pure savings if you shop it right.
The Rate Reality: Plan G Is Rising Fast
Why this makes the Birthday Rule so valuable
Plan G premiums have climbed steeply, and they don't rise evenly across carriers. One company might raise rates 5% while another raises 20% the same year. California's Birthday Rule lets you jump to a better-priced carrier every year without medical underwriting. Same Plan G coverage, better price, no health questions. Most people never use this, and overpay for years. We watch it for our clients, free.
Not sure you've got Medicare right?
Skip the confusion and the sales calls. Get straight answers for your situation, free.
Turning 65 and buried in mailers and robocalls? Confused by the choices, or afraid of the wrong plan or a missed deadline? See what actually fits your doctors and budget in about 5 minutes.
Find my plan →Think you might be overpaying, or did your plan change for this year? Get an honest check for gaps, overpayments, and dropped doctors in about 3 minutes.
Review my coverage →Free, no pressure, and we never cold-call you.
Is Plan G Right for You?
Plan G is ideal if you want the most complete, predictable coverage and the freedom to see any Medicare doctor nationwide, and you're comfortable with a higher premium than a plan like Plan N in exchange for near-zero costs at the point of care. If you'd accept small copays for a lower premium, compare with our Plan G vs Plan N breakdown. Either way, we'll shop every carrier to get you the best rate.