Best Health Insurance in Maryland (2026)

Key Takeaways

UnitedHealthcare stands out as Maryland’s top health insurance provider, offering a well-balanced combination of affordable premiums, manageable deductibles, and reasonable maximum out-of-pocket limits across its plan options.

UnitedHealthcare also offers the cheapest health insurance in Maryland, though its out-of-pocket maximums are not the most affordable.

Maryland residents should review quotes from several insurers to find the best value. Check provider networks, plan coverage and out-of-pocket costs. Confirm your preferred doctors and specialists accept the plan. This ensures both affordability and access to care.

Best Health Insurance Companies in Maryland

UnitedHealthcare is the best health insurance company in Maryland. It balances premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket limits well. Other top insurers include Kaiser Permanente, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Wellpoint Maryland, Inc. Each has different cost structures and network options.

Compare these providers to find plans that fit your budget and give you access to preferred doctors and healthcare services. The table below shows average monthly rates, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, MoneyGeek scores and each provider's top-rated Silver plan.


UnitedHealthcare	$411	$9,050	$3,050	4.7	UHC Silver Copay Focus $0 Indiv Med Ded ($0 Virtual Urgent Care)
Kaiser Permanente	$444	$8,667	$4,700	4.1	KP MD Silver Virtual Forward 3600 Ded
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$469	$9,050	$3,500	4.1	BlueChoice HMO Value Silver 4500 VisionPlus
Wellpoint Maryland, Inc.	$447	$9,600	$3,533	3.9	Wellpoint Essential Silver Value 4500 ($0 Virtual PCP + Incentives)

*Our picks are the best health insurance options for 40-year-olds looking for Silver-tier HMO plans.

UnitedHealthcare

MoneyGeek Rating

4.7/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Deductible

3.7/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$411
Average MOOP
$9,050
Average Deductible
$3,050

pros
- Cheapest premiums in the state
- Gold plans have low $833 deductibles
- Sells Bronze, Silver and Gold plans
- Out-of-pocket limits as low as $7,667 on Gold plans
cons
- HMO network structures only
- Bronze plans have high $6,917 deductibles and $10,450 maximum out-of-pocket costs
UnitedHealthcare is the best health insurance provider in Maryland. It ranks first across its HMO Bronze, Silver and Gold plans. For 40-year-olds, Bronze coverage has the state's cheapest premiums at $303 monthly ($26 below average). It includes HSA eligibility, $6,917 deductibles and $10,450 maximum out-of-pocket limits.

Gold plans cost $427 monthly and rank first with low $833 deductibles and $7,667 maximum costs. Silver coverage costs $411 monthly ($29 below state averages) with $3,050 deductibles and $9,050 out-of-pocket limits. It also ranks first. UnitedHealthcare combines below-average premiums with competitive deductibles across all tiers.

UnitedHealthcare Maryland health insurance plans for 2026:

Data filtered by:


UHC Bronze Copay Focus $0 Indiv Med Ded ($0 Virtual Urgent Care)	$318	HMO	Bronze	$10,600	$0	Yes
UHC Bronze Essential ($0 Virtual Urgent Care)	$283	HMO	Bronze	$10,600	$10,600	Yes
UHC Bronze Value Plan	$307	HMO	Bronze	$10,150	$10,150	Yes

Kaiser Permanente

MoneyGeek Rating

4.1/ 5

4.4/5Affordability

2.5/5Deductible

5/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$444
Average MOOP
$8,667
Average Deductible
$4,700

pros
- Ranks second in Maryland for affordability
- $0 deductibles on Platinum plans
- $917 deductibles on Gold plans
- Covers all major metal tiers
cons
- HMO network structures only
- Bronze plans have high $7,500 deductibles
Kaiser Permanente sells HMO coverage across all metal tiers in Maryland with competitive pricing. For 40-year-olds, the Platinum plan costs $520 monthly with no deductible and a $5,000 maximum out-of-pocket limit. This is the only Platinum HMO option in the state. Bronze coverage costs $332 monthly with HSA eligibility. Deductibles reach $8,117 and out-of-pocket maximums hit $9,267.

Gold plans cost $457 monthly with low $917 deductibles and $8,217 out-of-pocket limits. Silver plans cost $444 monthly with $4,700 deductibles and $8,667 maximums. Kaiser Permanente is Maryland's premium choice for comprehensive coverage with minimal upfront costs. It has the state's only Platinum plan and an integrated care model.

Kaiser Permanente Maryland health insurance plans for 2026:

Data filtered by:


KP MD Bronze 7500 Ded/HSA/Vision	$328	HMO	Bronze	$7,500	$7,500	Yes
KP MD Bronze 6700 Ded/Vision	$337	HMO	Bronze	$10,150	$6,700	Yes
KP MD Bronze Value 10150 Ded/Vision	$332	HMO	Bronze	$10,150	$10,150	Yes

Blue Cross Blue Shield

MoneyGeek Rating

4.1/ 5

4.2/5Affordability

4.2/5Deductible

3.7/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$469
Average MOOP
$9,050
Average Deductible
$3,500

pros
- Gold plans have low $1,000 to $1,375 annual deductibles
- Bronze, Silver, Gold and Catastrophic tiers
- Sells both HMO and PPO network options
cons
- Bronze plans have higher deductibles from $6,100 to $10,150
- Out-of-pocket limits reach $10,150 on some Bronze plans
Blue Cross Blue Shield sells HMO and PPO plans across all metal tiers in Maryland. For 40-year-olds, PPO Bronze plans cost $510 monthly with HSA eligibility and $10,150 deductibles that match out-of-pocket maximums. PPO Gold costs $649 monthly with lower $1,000 deductibles and $8,500 maximums. Two PPO Silver options: $659 monthly with $4,500 deductibles, or $663 monthly with $3,400 deductibles. Both cap out-of-pocket costs between $6,850 and $8,500.

Blue Cross Blue Shield ranks first for HMO Silver coverage at $490 monthly. Other providers have better options at different metal tiers. Blue Cross Blue Shield leads Maryland's PPO market and performs well across HMO tiers.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Maryland health insurance plans for 2026:

Data filtered by:


BlueChoice HMO HSA Bronze 6150 Virtual Connect Plus	$346	HMO	Bronze	$7,750	$6,150	Yes
BlueChoice HMO Bronze 6100 Virtual Connect Plus	$339	HMO	Bronze	$9,300	$6,100	Yes
BlueChoice HMO Value Bronze 10150	$351	HMO	Bronze	$10,150	$10,150	Yes
BluePreferred PPO Value Bronze 10150	$510	PPO	Bronze	$10,150	$10,150	Yes

Best Health Insurance in Maryland by Category

Maryland health insurance costs vary by age, plan type and metal tier. Silver plans range from $293 to $1,400 monthly across different demographics. We compared premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums by age group and plan type. This shows which insurers have the best value for HMO and PPO coverage at each stage of life. Find plans that balance affordability, network access and predictable healthcare costs.

By Age:

Teens (18): UnitedHealthcare HMO plans cost $293 monthly, and Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plans cost $471
Young adults (26): UnitedHealthcare HMO plans cost $329 monthly, and Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plans cost $528
Adults (40): UnitedHealthcare HMO plans cost $411 monthly, and Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plans cost $659
Seniors (60): UnitedHealthcare HMO plans cost $872 monthly, and Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO plans cost $1,400

By Plan Type:

PPO: Blue Cross Blue Shield is Maryland's top PPO provider, charging 40-year-olds $659 monthly with a $4,500 deductible and $8,500 MOOP
HMO: UnitedHealthcare offers the most affordable HMO coverage for 40-year-olds at $411 monthly with a $3,050 deductible and $9,050 MOOP

*All rates are averages based on Silver plans for the given category.

Compare Maryland Health Insurance Providers

Maryland health insurance costs vary widely by provider. Monthly premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums differ. Use the filters below for age, metal tier, plan type and HSA eligibility. Compare options and find the best health insurance plans for your budget, preferred doctors and healthcare needs.

Data filtered by:


UnitedHealthcare	$411	HMO	Silver	$9,050	$3,050	40	No
Kaiser Permanente	$444	HMO	Silver	$8,667	$4,700	40	No
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$469	HMO	Silver	$9,050	$3,500	40	No
Wellpoint Maryland, Inc.	$447	HMO	Silver	$9,600	$3,533	40	No

How to Choose the Best Health Insurance in Maryland

Choosing health insurance in Maryland means weighing premiums against deductibles, network access and coverage limits.

1
Assess Your Healthcare Needs
Review your medications, planned procedures and doctor visits. This determines which coverage level you need. Past medical expenses predict future costs and guide your deductible choice. Factor in chronic conditions or family medical history that need ongoing care in Baltimore, Annapolis or other Maryland locations.
2
Compare Multiple Insurer Quotes
Get rates from at least three Maryland health insurance companies. This shows price differences and coverage variations. Major insurers include CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Kaiser Permanente and UnitedHealthcare. Multiple quotes help you find the best value for your situation and budget.
3
Verify Provider Networks
Check that your preferred doctors, specialists and hospitals accept the plans you're considering. Out-of-network care costs more and may require full payment upfront. Major health systems like Johns Hopkins and University of Maryland Medical Center participate in different insurance plans across the state.
4
Review Cost-Sharing Terms
Higher deductibles lower monthly premiums but increase upfront costs when you need care. Your out-of-pocket maximum caps annual expenses. Compare how different deductible levels affect your budget, especially if you need regular medical visits or prescriptions in Montgomery or Prince George's counties.
5
Evaluate Plan Types
HMOs, PPOs, EPOs and POS plans trade off cost and flexibility differently. HMOs require referrals but cost less. PPOs let you see specialists without approval at higher premiums. EPOs and POS plans fall between these options with moderate flexibility and pricing.
6
Explore Federal Programs
Subsidies and Medicare plans make health insurance more affordable for qualifying Maryland residents. Have low income, a qualifying disability or are 65 or older? Check Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement options. These programs cut your healthcare costs.

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Maryland?

HMO plans offer the most affordable coverage in Maryland across all metal tiers. Bronze HMO plans average $329 monthly, while Silver costs $465. Gold HMO plans drop to $440 per month, and Platinum averages $520.

PPO plans cost more, with Bronze at $510, Silver at $661, and Gold at $649 monthly. PPO plans don't offer Platinum coverage, making HMO the only option for this tier. PPO plans typically provide broader network access despite higher costs.


HMO	$329	$465	$440	$520
PPO	$510	$661	$649	No Data

*Rates are averages for 40-year-olds in Maryland. Your rates will vary based on your age and location.

Best Health Insurance in Maryland: Bottom Line

UnitedHealthcare, Kaiser Permanente and Blue Cross Blue Shield are the top health insurance providers in Maryland for the 2026 plan year. UnitedHealthcare is best for combining affordable monthly premiums with reasonable deductibles, while Kaiser Permanente offers higher monthly costs but provides better protection against maximum out-of-pocket expenses.

Best Maryland Health Insurance: FAQ

Maryland residents frequently have questions about enrollment deadlines, state coverage requirements and coordinating multiple insurance plans:

How do I get health insurance in Maryland?

Maryland residents can get health insurance through Maryland Health Connection, the state's official marketplace, or buy directly from insurers and licensed brokers.

Open enrollment runs from November 1 through January 15 for 2026 coverage. Special enrollment periods are available after qualifying events like marriage, job loss or relocation. Employer group plans are also widely available.

Are you required to have health insurance in Maryland?

Maryland doesn't require health insurance, so you won't have penalties for being uninsured. Without coverage though, you pay the full price for medical care.

Can you have multiple health insurance plans in Maryland?

Yes, you can have multiple health insurance plans in Maryland. Through coordination of benefits, your primary plan pays first, and your secondary plan may cover remaining eligible expenses. This occurs when both spouses have employer-sponsored coverage or when combining Medicare with supplemental insurance.

Our Review Methodology

Our ranking of the best Maryland health insurance focuses on monthly premiums, as they create the largest ongoing expense for consumers. We also factor in maximum out-of-pocket limits and deductibles, which affect your total yearly costs.

Our Scoring System

We weighted three cost factors:

Monthly premium (60%): Lower average monthly costs earn higher scores since premiums are your biggest recurring expense.
Maximum out-of-pocket (20%): Lower MOOP limits mean better financial protection and higher scores.
Deductible (20%): Providers with lower average deductibles receive better scores.

Sample Consumer Profile

We reviewed all 2026 Maryland plans for ages 18, 26, 40, 50 and 60. Pricing is based on rates for 40-year-olds, unless otherwise stated. We analyzed every tier: Catastrophic, Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.

Read Full Bio »

Best Health Insurance in Maryland (2026)

Best Health Insurance Companies in Maryland

Best Health Insurance in Maryland by Category

Compare Maryland Health Insurance Providers

How to Choose the Best Health Insurance in Maryland

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Maryland?

Best Health Insurance in Maryland: Bottom Line

Best Maryland Health Insurance: FAQ

How do I get health insurance in Maryland?

Are you required to have health insurance in Maryland?

Can you have multiple health insurance plans in Maryland?

Our Review Methodology

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