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.

Maryland's health insurance exchange has four carriers for 2026: UnitedHealthcare, Kaiser Permanente, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Wellpoint Maryland, Inc. Three sell only HMO plans. Blue Cross Blue Shield is the only carrier selling PPO plans, which narrows the choice field compared to states with eight or 10 competing insurers.

Maryland Health Connection is the state's own marketplace, with an open enrollment deadline of January 15 for 2026 coverage.

Our review of 2026 plan data found a $58 a month difference between the cheapest and most expensive Silver-tier HMO for a 40-year-old: $411 at UnitedHealthcare versus $469 at Blue Cross Blue Shield. In a market this concentrated, network coverage and cost-sharing terms are as important as the monthly premium.

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.

UnitedHealthcare's combination of the lowest monthly premium and the lowest average deductible in the same carrier surprised us when we built this analysis. That combination is uncommon. Most states price it as a tradeoff.

The most useful finding from our analysis isn't which carrier is cheapest. It's that UnitedHealthcare wins on both ends of the cost spectrum simultaneously. It has the lowest monthly premium among the four carriers at $411 and the lowest average deductible at $3,050. A buyer who never uses their plan saves money. A buyer who hits their maximum out-of-pocket in a bad year pays $13,982 total in annual premium plus MOOP exposure of $13 less than Kaiser Permanente's worst-case total of $13,995 despite Kaiser carrying the lowest MOOP at $8,667. The carrier with the cheapest premium also has the lowest total annual exposure. That rarely happens.


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 sells only HMO plans in Maryland, so it's a poor fit for anyone who needs specialist access without referrals. HMO networks require a primary care physician to coordinate care, and out-of-network visits are generally not covered at all. Buyers who split time between states or travel often will pay a real cost for that restriction. Blue Cross Blue Shield is a Maryland exchange carrier with PPO access and its Gold plans carry deductibles of $1,000 to $1,375 for buyers who want more flexibility alongside lower cost-sharing.

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's integrated care model owns its hospitals and employs its physicians, which creates a tight, coordinated network, concentrated in the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Buyers in rural Maryland or Western Maryland counties will find few in-network locations within a reasonable distance. At $444 monthly for Silver coverage, Kaiser also costs $33 more per month than UnitedHealthcare for the same metal tier. Buyers whose priority is the lowest Silver premium and who live outside the Baltimore-Washington metro will find UnitedHealthcare a better fit on both counts.

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 is Maryland's exchange carrier offering PPO plans. For a 40-year-old, its Silver PPO costs $659 monthly, $248 more per month than UnitedHealthcare's Silver HMO. That $2,976 annual gap is the price of network flexibility: PPO coverage lets buyers see specialists without referrals and access out-of-network providers at higher cost-sharing. Gold plans carry deductibles of $1,000 to $1,375, and Blue Cross Blue Shield also sells Catastrophic plans for buyers under 30 or those with qualifying hardship exemptions.
Healthy buyers who rarely see specialists and have no existing out-of-network provider relationships will pay more than necessary here. At $659 monthly for Silver PPO coverage, Blue Cross Blue Shield costs $2,976 more per year than UnitedHealthcare's Silver HMO before any cost-sharing difference. Buyers under 30 weighing a Catastrophic plan should also compare Kaiser Permanente's Bronze HSA options at $328 monthly before defaulting to Blue Cross Blue Shield's Catastrophic tier.

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

The premium multiplier from age 18 to age 60 is steeper for PPO than HMO coverage. UnitedHealthcare's HMO Silver goes from $293 a month at 18 to $872 at 60, approximately three times the starting rate. Blue Cross Blue Shield's PPO Silver applies the same multiplier at a higher base: $471 at 18 to $1,400 at 60, or $16,800 a year before any cost-sharing. Buyers over 50 weighing PPO access should compare that annual cost against their expected specialist use before choosing Blue Cross Blue Shield.

By plan type:

PPO: Blue Cross Blue Shield is $659 a month for 40-year-olds, with a $4,500 deductible and $8,500 MOOP.
HMO: UnitedHealthcare is $411 a month for 40-year-olds, the most affordable HMO in Maryland, 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

Maryland's health insurance market has two carriers at most plan types, so the decision comes down to cost structure and network fit rather than choosing from a wide field.

1
Assess Your Healthcare Needs
Review your medications, planned procedures and doctor visits before comparing plans. Your age is also a factor worth noting before you look at rates: a 60-year-old pays $872 monthly for UnitedHealthcare's Silver HMO, nearly three times the $293 rate for an 18-year-old on the same plan. Buyers approaching 60 who don't yet have coverage should factor that trajectory into their decision. Past medical expenses predict future costs and guide your deductible choice.
2
Compare Multiple Insurer Quotes
Get rates from at least three Maryland health insurance carriers. Among the four carriers on the 2026 exchange, the spread between cheapest and most expensive Silver-tier HMO for a 40-year-old is $58 per month. Over a full plan year, that compounds to $696, before accounting for deductible and out-of-pocket differences that add to the gap.
3
Verify Provider Networks
Check that your preferred doctors, specialists and hospitals accept the plans you're considering. Maryland's four exchange carriers each use separate HMO networks and a provider covered under UnitedHealthcare's network may not appear in Kaiser Permanente's. Out-of-network care under an HMO is generally not covered at all, not just more expensive. Major health systems participate in different plans across the state, so confirm network participation directly with your provider before enrolling.
4
Review Cost-Sharing Terms
Your deductible is what you pay before insurance covers most services. Maryland's 2026 Silver-tier HMO deductibles range from $3,050 at UnitedHealthcare to $4,700 at Kaiser Permanente. A buyer who expects two specialist visits and one imaging procedure may close much of that $1,650 gap before their plan pays anything. Run the math against your expected use, not just the monthly premium.
5
Evaluate Plan Types
In Maryland's 2026 exchange, HMOs are the only option from three of the four carriers. Choosing between [PPO and HMO](In Maryland's 2026 exchange, HMOs are the only option from three of the four carriers. Choosing between PPO and HMO here is effectively choosing between Blue Cross Blue Shield and the other three.) here is effectively choosing between Blue Cross Blue Shield and the other three.
6
Explore Federal Programs
Subsidies and Medicare plans cut costs for qualifying Maryland residents. A 60-year-old paying $872 monthly for Silver coverage may qualify for income-based subsidies through Maryland Health Connection that bring that figure down substantially, eligibility depends on household income relative to the federal poverty level. Buyers 65 and older should compare Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans separately, as marketplace exchange plans are generally not available to Medicare-eligible buyers. Check Maryland Health Connection or HealthCare.gov to confirm your eligibility before assuming you'll pay the full market rate.

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Maryland?

Gold HMO plans in Maryland average $440 a month, which is $25 less than Silver HMO at $465. Maryland's 2026 pricing structure keeps the Silver-to-Gold premium gap unusually narrow, so buyers who commit to higher monthly premiums get lower cost-sharing at a cost that barely changes. Bronze HMO averages $329 a month and Platinum averages $520 a month. For most buyers, the Silver-to-Gold comparison is the most consequential decision on this page.

PPO plans cost more across every tier: Bronze at $510 a month, Silver at $661 and Gold at $649. PPO plans have no Platinum option, so HMO is the only path at that tier.


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.

One pattern in Maryland's 2026 cost data worth flagging: Gold-tier HMO plans average $440 monthly, $25 less than Silver HMO at $465. That's unusual. Gold plans carry lower deductibles and lower out-of-pocket maximums than Silver, normally at a higher premium. Buyers comparing Silver and Gold HMO coverage are looking at a $300 annual premium difference. For anyone who uses more than $300 in extra cost-sharing under a Silver plan, Gold is likely the better financial choice.

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.

My verdict for most Maryland buyers: start with UnitedHealthcare's Silver-tier HMO unless you have an existing specialist relationship that requires PPO access or you live far outside the Baltimore-Washington metro. The cost case for Blue Cross Blue Shield's PPO is real but narrow for buyers who don't already know they'll use it.

Best Maryland Health Insurance: FAQ

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.

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.

Yes. You can hold multiple health insurance plans in Maryland at the same time. The payment order depends on how benefits are coordinated: your primary plan pays first, and the secondary plan covers some or all of what remains.

Dual coverage is most common when both spouses have separate employer-sponsored plans or when a Medicare enrollee adds supplemental insurance to cover gaps.

Our Review Methodology

We weighted three cost factors:

Monthly premium (60%): Lower average monthly costs score higher.
Maximum out-of-pocket (20%): The annual cap on health care costs beyond premiums. Lower MOOP limits score better.
Deductible (20%): The amount you pay before coverage begins. Lower average deductibles score higher.

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 (P&C) Insurance Producer in Connecticut, is MoneyGeek's resident insurance expert. He has spent nearly a decade analyzing the market, first at LendingTree and now at MoneyGeek, where he produces original research on hundreds of carriers and millions of rates across auto, home, renters, health and life insurance.

He covers economics and insurance at MoneyGeek, and his work has been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times and NPR, among other outlets.

Like all MoneyGeek analysts, he draws on independent cost and consumer experience data. No insurance company partnership influences his recommendations.

Mark holds a B.A. from Boston College and an M.A. in Economics and International Relations from Johns Hopkins University. He started his career in financial risk management at State Street and is also a five-time “Jeopardy!” champion.

Read Full Bio »

Best Health Insurance in Maryland (2026)

Best Health Insurance Companies in Maryland

UnitedHealthcare

Kaiser Permanente

Blue Cross Blue Shield

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

Related Pages