7 Best Maryland (MD) Pet Insurance Plans Compared in 2024
Updated on April 10, 2024 by Matthew H. Nash – Licensed Insurance Agent
As a licensed Maryland insurance agent and lifelong pet owner, I know all about the potential confusion when selecting the best pet insurance company. Below I share all the best options for Maryland pet parents based on my extensive research. Whether you live in Baltimore, District Heights, College Station or Waldorf, this article gives you all the information you’ll need to pick a good cat or dog insurance policy. We may receive compensation when you click on the affiliate links below.
Top MD Pet Insurance Scored, Ranked & With Cost
Use our below table to quickly compare the best pet insurance providers in Maryland. The average monthly Maryland-specific prices shown are based on a healthy 2-year-old Labrador Retriever with a $500 deductible and 90% reimbursement amount who is located in Maryland with a 21209 zip code. Costs may vary based on age, location, coverage amount, and depending on the breed of your puppy. Prices are accurate as of January 2024 and are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the provider website.
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to Maryland pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN MARYLAND
$26.75/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$20,000
- Lemonade has the best all around Maryland pet insurance policy at the most affordable rates
- Their user experience is world class and it’s easy to get support from their award-winning customer service team
- Founded in 2015 as a certified B Corp, Lemonade donates unclaimed premium dollars to nonprofit organizations selected by policyholders
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to Maryland pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN MARYLAND
$35.21/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$10,000
- Odie has several options available to suit any pet parent’s budget including: complete coverage, injury & illness, and accident only plans
- They also offer a free 24/7 video chat with vets
- Founded in 2019 and underwritten by Trisura Insurance Company
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to Maryland pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN MARYLAND
$42.45/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$5,000
- Figo offers users an amazing complimentary service to connect with Maryland vets via video chat 24/7
- They also have an easy-to-use pet records app and real time claims tracker
- Founded in 2013 and underwritten by Independence American Insurance Company
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to Maryland pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN MARYLAND
$55.77/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$5,000
- Their “Healthy Pet Deductible” allows your annual deductible to go down by $50 each year that you don’t receive an insurance claim reimbursement
- Embrace paid 93% of claims in 2019 and their member portal is user-friendly
- Founded in 2003 and underwritten by American Modern Insurance
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to Maryland pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN MARYLAND
$59.97/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$5,000
- Fetch makes it easy to use any licensed vet in the U.S. or Canada
- Once your claim is approved, you’ll be paid back up to 90% of your unexpected vet bill in as little as 2 days via direct deposit
- Protecting 400K+ dogs and cats (and counting) & rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN MARYLAND
$74.09/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$10,000
- Pumpkin Pet Insurance plans have extensive coverage and they always have a 90% reimbursement rate
- They have no breed or upper age restrictions, and dental illness and hereditary conditions are covered at no extra cost
- Founded in 2020 and underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to
Maryland pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN MARYLAND
$82.68/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
Unlimited
- Trupanion is the only provider on our list that has an unlimited annual benefit with no payout limits
- They are unique in that they offer “Vet Direct Pay” instead of reimbursements
- Founded in 1999 and underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company
- SwiftScore
- Our SwiftScore is a unique and proprietary insurance ranking system objectively comparing key metrics which are most important to Maryland pet parents. Learn more at the end of this page.
STANDARD PLAN
COST IN MARYLAND
$26.75/mo
REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNT
90%
ANNUAL
BENEFIT
$20,000
- Lemonade has the best all around Maryland pet insurance policy at the most affordable rates
- Their user experience is world class and it’s easy to get support from their award-winning customer service team
- Founded in 2015 as a certified B Corp, Lemonade donates unclaimed premium dollars to nonprofit organizations selected by policyholders
How much does Maryland dog & cat insurance cost for the 15 most popular breeds?
The price for Maryland pet insurance varies depending on where you live. To give you an idea we’ve collected costs for three cities shown below. The prices will also vary based on your puppy’s age, health, and breed.
All prices shown below are based on a 90% reimbursement rate with a $500 deductible and a $5,000 annual benefit from Figo pet insurance. Please note: these prices should only be treated as a rough guide as of August 2022 and are subject to change. If you’re looking for the most up-to-date cost of pet insurance in Maryland we suggest getting a quote directly with Figo or Lemonade.
Dog Insurance Prices in Maryland:
- Mixed Breed
- College Park – $28.81/ mo
- Bethesda – $28.81/ mo
- Baltimore – $31.17/ mo
- Labrador Retriever
- College Park – $39.23/ mo
- Bethesda – $39.23/ mo
- Baltimore – $42.45/ mo
- Golden Retriever
- College Park – $39.16/ mo
- Bethesda – $39.16/ mo
- Baltimore – $42.37/ mo
- German Shepherd
- College Park – $42.31/ mo
- Bethesda – $42.31/ mo
- Baltimore – $45.80/ mo
- Goldendoodle
- College Park – $34.07/ mo
- Bethesda – $34.07/ mo
- Baltimore – $36.85/ mo
- Chihuahua
- College Park – $17.91/ mo
- Bethesda – $17.91/ mo
- Baltimore – $19.39/ mo
- Siberian Husky
- College Park – $39.33/ mo
- Bethesda – $39.33/ mo
- Baltimore – $42.57/ mo
- Yorkshire Terrier
- College Park – $24.73/ mo
- Bethesda – $24.73/ mo
- Baltimore – $26.77/ mo
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- College Park – $43.55/ mo
- Bethesda – $43.55/ mo
- Baltimore – $47.12/ mo
- Australian Shepherd
- College Park – $27.08/ mo
- Bethesda – $27.08/ mo
- Baltimore – $29.31/ mo
- Dachshund
- College Park – $25.56/ mo
- Bethesda – $25.56/ mo
- Baltimore – $27.66/ mo
- Shih Tzu
- College Park – $22.75/ mo
- Bethesda – $22.75/ mo
- Baltimore – $24.63/ mo
- French Bulldog
- College Park – $53.88/ mo
- Bethesda – $53.88/ mo
- Baltimore – $58.28/ mo
- Boxer
- College Park – $54.08/ mo
- Bethesda – $54.08/ mo
- Baltimore – $58.53/ mo
- Labradoodle
- College Park – $34.07/ mo
- Bethesda – $34.07/ mo
- Baltimore – $36.85/ mo
Cat Insurance Prices in Maryland:
- Mixed Breed
- Baltimore – $18.13/ mo
- Bethesda – $16.75/ mo
- College Park – $16.75/ mo
- American Shorthair
- Baltimore – $21.42/ mo
- Bethesda – $19.80/ mo
- College Park – $19.80/ mo
- Bengal
- Baltimore – $21.42/ mo
- Bethesda – $19.80/ mo
- College Park – $19.80/ mo
- Bombay
- Baltimore – $21.42/ mo
- Bethesda – $19.80/ mo
- College Park – $19.80/ mo
- British Shorthair
- Baltimore – $21.42/ mo
- Bethesda – $19.80/ mo
- College Park – $19.80/ mo
- Exotic
- Baltimore – $21.42/ mo
- Bethesda – $19.80/ mo
- College Park – $19.80/ mo
- Himalayan
- Baltimore – $21.42/ mo
- Bethesda – $19.80/ mo
- College Park – $19.80/ mo
- Maine Coon
- Baltimore – $22.61/ mo
- Bethesda – $20.88/ mo
- College Park – $20.88/ mo
- Persian
- Baltimore – $22.61/ mo
- Bethesda – $20.88/ mo
- College Park – $20.88/ mo
- Ragdoll
- Baltimore – $22.61/ mo
- Bethesda – $20.88/ mo
- College Park – $20.88/ mo
- Russian Blue
- Baltimore – $21.42/ mo
- Bethesda – $19.80/ mo
- College Park – $19.80/ mo
- Scottish Fold
- Baltimore – $22.61/ mo
- Bethesda – $20.88/ mo
- College Park – $20.88/ mo
- Siamese
- Baltimore – $22.61/ mo
- Bethesda – $20.88/ mo
- College Park – $20.88/ mo
- Sphynx
- Baltimore – $21.42/ mo
- Bethesda – $19.80/ mo
- College Park – $19.80/ mo
- Abyssinian
- Baltimore – $21.42/ mo
- Bethesda – $19.80/ mo
- College Park – $19.80/ mo
Not finding your specific pet breed? Lemonade pet insurance is our #1 recommendation for Maryland and they’ll be able to give you a quick quote for your exact needs.
Maryland Pet Insurance FAQs
Why do I need pet insurance in Maryland?
When you sign with a pet insurance company, you pay monthly to keep the policy active. Typically, pet insurance plans cover medical tests, emergency care, exam fees, surgery due to an unexpected injury, medications, and illnesses. If your dog or cat gets hurt in an accident, you pay for the treatment and then submit a claim to the insurance company so they can reimburse you. Most insurance companies will not cover a pet’s pre-existing condition. Because of this, we recommend that pet owners sign up for pet insurance while their pet is young, typically around 8 weeks old.
In Maryland, pet insurance can help you cover high vet bills for certain treatments such as cancer, which can run over $10,000. As an uninsured pet owner, you could face the tough decision of putting down your beloved pet because you can’t afford the expensive treatment costs. Insurance guarantees you’ll never face a situation like this.
How old does my pet need to be to get insured?
Generally, insurance companies encourage you to sign up your pet when they’re no less than 8 weeks old. Most providers don’t set age limits, but the younger an animal is, the cheaper it is to insure them. We suggest you get pet insurance before your dog or cat turns a year old.
Do I need to get insurance in Maryland?
It’s a fact that vet bills can add up. You may end up spending $3,000 or more for an emergency vet visit if your pet cuts its paw or swallows something. When you have insurance, you pay a monthly premium instead of paying high out-of-pocket costs. Depending upon where you live in the state, Maryland veterinarians may be higher than in other states. Therefore, pet insurance is a good idea in Maryland.
What is covered and what’s excluded with pet insurance?
Insurance coverage can vary depending on which insurance you choose, but things like accidents and illnesses are typically covered. Besides these, pet insurance usually covers things like:
- Broken bones
- Ear or eye infections
- Allergies and the allergy tests
- Swallowing something dangerous
But as we mentioned, pre-existing conditions like cancer aren’t covered when you sign your pet up for insurance. Most animal insurance companies offer a “wellness package” as an add-on to cover items such as:
- Heartworm checks and prevention
- Vaccinations
- Routine check-ups
What about reimbursement?
Reimbursement is fairly straightforward. If you sign up for pet insurance with a 90% reimbursement rate along with a $250 deductible and a $20,000 annual maximum benefit and then if something happens to your pet that costs $10,000 for surgery, your insurance will reimburse you $9,000, minus the deductible of $250. So you end up paying $1250 out of pocket instead of $10,000.
Trupanion is one cat insurance company that provides payment directly to your vet when they’re in-network. This means there are no out-of-pocket fees.
Is it better to have a lower deductible?
Generally, it’s better to have a lower deductible because even though it means a higher monthly fee for you, you pay less out-of-pocket costs in case of an emergency vet visit. You know your financial situation, but most providers offer an easy-to-use calculator when they quote you, making it easier to determine what you should do. We see that most cat owners choose the $250 or $500 deductible.
Are there any restricted cat breeds for homeowners insurance in Maryland?
Your homeowners’ insurance may not cover certain breeds of dogs and cats. Most states have restrictions for homeowners insurance for certain dog breeds and on certain insurance providers. These dog breeds include, but aren’t limited to breeds like:
- Chow chows
- Doberman Pinschers
- Akitas
- German Shepherds
- Pit Bull Terriers
- Bull Mastiffs
- Wolfhounds
- Rottweilers
If your dog or cat is considered dangerous or is a non-traditional house pet, you may be excluded from a homeowner’s insurance plan. You should contact your local homeowner’s insurance provider to see whether you need a specific liability rider.
5 Useful Strategies for Keeping Your Pets Safe & Healthy in Maryland
1. Lymes disease
Rural areas of Maryland have a high rate of Lymes disease in dogs, but with an increase in the deer and rodent population, Lymes disease is a growing health problem for both people and pets. Be sure to get your dog vaccinated against Lymes disease. Steer clear of wooded areas where deer and other wild animals live and roam. Cats don’t get Lyme disease like dogs.
2. GPS tracker
Because pets like to wander, it’s a good idea to get your pet a tracking device that will help you monitor their whereabouts. Also, choose a collar with a safety clasp that comes undone if it gets snagged on a tree limb to prevent strangulation for cats. Be sure your dog or cat wear a name tag and contact information.
3. Heartworms
Maryland has a high heartworm risk for dogs and cats, so be sure to get the medicine from your vet and maintain your animals’ heartworm medicine each month.
4. Avoid giving your pets cooked bones
Never give your pets cooked bones because they can break into small pieces, making them a choking hazard for them.
5. Hot or cold cars
It’s fun to take your pet with you on errands, but avoid leaving them alone in the car, especially when it’s really hot or really cold. Maryland has unpredictable weather-it can get up to 80 degrees in December or 25 degrees in March. You never know what the weather will do, so never leave your pet in the car to suffer.
5 Unique Pet Rescue Shelters in Maryland
If you’re looking for a new cat or dog, we suggest you check out these five great animal rescue shelters in Maryland. We love it that people adopt animals. It’s a great way to find a sweet, new companion.
1. Rude Ranch Animal Rescue Center
This rescue center is dedicated to helping find permanent homes for homeless dogs and cats. Their no-kill organization rehabilitates rather than destroys feral or neglected cats or dogs from unhealthy situations. They spay and neuter pets to help reduce their numbers so they don’t end up in shelters where they’re put to death.
2. Small Miracles Cat & Dog Rescue
This is a private, non-profit shelter that is dedicated to giving good care for homeless cats and dogs. They’re a no-kill center that’s found homes for more than 12,000 cats since 2006 and 7,000 dogs since late 2011. They have a thriving fostering program at the shelter and provide opportunities for the community to donate or volunteer at the shelter. They give sick or injured animals medical care, spay and neutering, and offer pet owners discounted vaccinations.
3. Linda L.Kelley Animal Shelter
Located in Prince Frederick, Maryland, this shelter’s mission is to provide compassionate, humane care for animals in need of a home. They have five freedoms they strive to follow for the animals in their care.
- The freedom from hunger or thirst by giving them a healthy diet and clean, fresh water.
- The freedom to be comfortable and safe.
- The freedom to be free of pain, disease, or injury and medical care if needed.
- The freedom to be a normal, healthy, playful animal.
- The freedom to have a comfortable place to live.
- The freedom from stress or anxiety due to living conditions.
4. Last Chance Animal Rescue
Located in Waldorf, Maryland, is a non-profit organization with a goal to minimize the killing of homeless animals by helping adopt or foster them. They also offer low-cost neutering and spaying for both cats and dogs. You can foster or adopt here; they’re always looking for volunteers.
5. Defenders of Animal Rights, Inc
In 1988, this shelter opened in northern Baltimore County. They’re a unique rescue shelter that houses adoptable animals for a long as it takes to provide each one a forever home. They’re a no-kill shelter that is dedicated to stopping animal cruelty. You can go to their website to see all the available animals that are just waiting to be adopted.
Conclusion
Although finding the right pet insurance might feel overwhelming at first, it’s a pretty straightforward process. We suggest signing up for pet insurance when your pet is young, at least 8 weeks. This will give you the best prices and help you avoid restrictions on things like pre-existing conditions. Even if your pet is older, you can still get insurance to help out in the case of a catastrophic event or illness.
I found that Lemonade Pet Insurance consistently provided some of the lowest monthly premiums with the most benefits for residents of Michigan.
SwiftScore Ranking Methodology for Maryland
We ranked the best pet insurance policies in Marylandbased on a variety of important factors including the following:
- Average monthly price for a 2-year-old Labrador Retriever with a $500 deductible located in Marylandwith a 21209 zip code
- Coverage and benefits
- Key policy details including accidents and illnesses, surgeries, annual check-ups, cancer treatment, lab tests, and more
- AM Best rating of the underwriter
- Reimbursement percentage
- Annual benefit amount
- Technology and user experience
- Ease of sign up
- Policy language clarity
- User reviews