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 shopping for health insurance should review quotes from several different insurers to find the best value. It’s important to examine provider networks, plan coverage details, and out-of-pocket costs. You should also confirm that your preferred doctors and specialists are included in the plan to ensure both affordability and access to care.

Best Health Insurance Companies in Maryland

UnitedHealthcare is the best health insurance company in Maryland, offering a strong balance of premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket limits. Other leading insurers in the state include Kaiser Permanente, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Wellpoint Maryland, Inc., each providing reliable coverage with varying cost structures and network options. Comparing these providers can help you find plans that fit your budget while ensuring access to preferred doctors and necessary healthcare services. The table below highlights average monthly rates, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, MoneyGeek scores, and each provider’s top-rated Silver plan in the state.


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
- Lowest premiums in the state
- Gold plans feature low $833 deductibles for comprehensive coverage
- Offers plans across Bronze, Silver and Gold metal tiers
- Maximum out-of-pocket limits as low as $7,667 on Gold plans
cons
- Limited to HMO network structures only
- Bronze plans carry high $6,917 deductibles and $10,450 MOOP exposure
UnitedHealthcare is the best health insurance provider in Maryland, earning top rankings across its HMO Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans. For 40-year-olds, Bronze coverage offers the state’s lowest premiums at $303 per month, $26 below the average, and includes HSA eligibility, $6,917 deductibles, and $10,450 maximum out-of-pocket limits. Gold plans cost $427 monthly, securing first place with low $833 deductibles and $7,667 maximum costs. Silver coverage runs $411 per month, $29 below state averages, featuring $3,050 deductibles and $9,050 out-of-pocket limits, also earning a first-place ranking. Across all tiers, UnitedHealthcare combines below-average premiums with competitive deductible structures, making it the strongest overall choice for Maryland residents seeking both affordability and manageable upfront costs.

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 overall affordability
- $0 deductibles available on Platinum plans
- Low $917 deductibles on Gold tier plans
- Coverage across all major metal tiers
cons
- Limited to HMO network structures only
- Bronze plans feature high $7,500 deductibles
Kaiser Permanente offers HMO coverage across all metal tiers in Maryland, with competitive pricing for many enrollees. For 40-year-olds, the Platinum plan costs $520 per month, featuring no deductible and a $5,000 maximum out-of-pocket limit. Notably, this is the only Platinum HMO option available in the state. Bronze coverage is priced at $332 monthly with HSA eligibility, though deductibles reach $8,117 and out-of-pocket maximums are $9,267. Gold plans run $457 per month, offering low $917 deductibles paired with $8,217 out-of-pocket limits. Silver-tier plans cost $444 monthly, with $4,700 deductibles and $8,667 maximums. With its exclusive Platinum plan in the state and integrated care model, Kaiser Permanente is Maryland’s premium choice for residents seeking comprehensive coverage with minimal upfront costs.

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 feature low $1,000 to $1,375 annual deductibles
- Bronze, Silver, Gold and Catastrophic tiers
- Provides both HMO and PPO network options
cons
- Bronze plans carry higher deductibles ranging from $6,100 to $10,150
- Maximum out-of-pocket limits reach $10,150 on some Bronze plans
Blue Cross Blue Shield offers both HMO and PPO plans across all metal tiers in Maryland. For 40-year-olds, PPO Bronze plans cost $510 per month with HSA eligibility and $10,150 deductibles that match the out-of-pocket maximums. PPO Gold runs $649 monthly, offering lower $1,000 deductibles with $8,500 maximums. Two PPO Silver options provide different trade-offs: $659 per month with $4,500 deductibles, or $663 monthly with $3,400 deductibles, both capping out-of-pocket costs between $6,850 and $8,500. Blue Cross Blue Shield also ranks first for HMO Silver coverage at $490 per month, though other providers have better options at different metal tiers. Overall, the insurer dominates Maryland’s PPO market while maintaining strong performance 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

Health insurance costs in Maryland vary depending on age, plan type, and metal tier, with Silver plans ranging from $293 to $1,400 per month across different demographics. To help residents make informed decisions, we compared premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums by age group and plan type. This breakdown highlights which insurers offer the best value for HMO and PPO coverage at each stage of life, making it easier to identify 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

Health insurance costs in Maryland vary widely by provider, with differences in monthly premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums. In the dynamic table below, you can use the filters for age, metal tier, plan type, and HSA eligibility to compare options and identify the best health insurance plans that align with 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 current medications, planned procedures and how often you visit doctors to determine which coverage level makes sense. Past medical expenses help predict future costs and guide your deductible choice. Consider chronic conditions or family medical history that might require ongoing care in Baltimore, Annapolis or other Maryland locations.
2
Compare Multiple Insurer Quotes
Request rates from at least three Maryland health insurance companies to spot price differences and coverage variations. Major insurers serving the state include CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Kaiser Permanente and UnitedHealthcare. Getting multiple quotes helps you find the best value for your specific situation and budget requirements.
3
Verify Provider Networks
Check that your preferred doctors, specialists and hospitals accept 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 have varying participation across different insurance plans throughout 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, limiting your total healthcare costs. Compare how different deductible levels affect your budget, especially if you anticipate regular medical visits or prescription needs in Montgomery or Prince George's counties.
5
Evaluate Plan Types
HMOs, PPOs, EPOs and POS plans each offer different trade-offs between cost and flexibility. HMOs require referrals but cost less, while PPOs let you see specialists without approval at higher premiums. EPOs and POS plans fall between these options, offering moderate flexibility and pricing.
6
Explore Federal Programs
Subsidies and Medicare plans make health insurance more affordable for qualifying Maryland residents. If you have low income, a qualifying disability or are 65 or older, explore Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement options. These programs can reduce 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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