Best Pet Insurance Maryland
Pet Insurance options vary among states. Here’s a look at some of the best plans for Maryland pet owners, so you and your pet can enjoy all the best the Chesapeake Bay State has to offer!
Written by
Lauren Rey
With 15 years of experience in the veterinary industry, Lauren is well-versed in the world of pet insurance. She’s a content writer for several online pet publications and loves to help pet parents stay informed. When not researching the latest pet news, you’ll probably find her off on an adventure with her rescue dog Pickles.
Last Update on Jan 3, 2024
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Your options for pet insurance providers and plans will vary from state to state
- Maryland has some great pet insurance options and is overall, a very pet-friendly state
- Having your pet insured is one of the best ways to help cover their veterinary care, especially in Maryland, a state with higher-than-average cost of living expenses
- Like all states, Maryland has some unique hazards that pet owners should be aware of to keep their pets safe and healthy
The Importance Of Pet Insurance
Pet insurance is one of the best resources that pet owners have to financially prepare for their pet’s healthcare, especially when it comes to accidents and illnesses. Unfortunately, around one in three pets will need emergency veterinary care every year and these bills can add up quickly.
With Maryland being a high-cost-of-living state and the continued rise of inflation, many pet owners are also seeing increases in the cost of pet food, medicine, and veterinary care. Now more than ever, pet insurance can be one of the best ways to help cover these costs, in some cases, saving pet owners thousands on veterinary care and medications.
The Best Pet Insurance Plans in Maryland
Pet insurance options vary from state to state. Here’s a look at some of the best pet insurance plans available in Maryland.
Pets Best
Waiting Periods
3 days for accident coverage, 14 days for illness coverage, and 6 months for cruciate ligament coverage
Available Plans
Accident and Illness, Accident-only, and Wellness (add-on)
Pets Covered
Dogs and Cats
Maximum Annual Coverage
$5,000 or unlimited
Reimbursement Choices
70%, 80%, or 90%
Deductible Choices
$50, $100, $250, $500, or $1,000
Discounts Available
5% multi-pet discount
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Pros:
- Covers a wide variety of conditions, including dental illness
- 24/7 Pet Telehealth access for policyholders
- Emergency direct-vet-pay option
Cons:
- 6-month waiting period for cruciate ligament injury coverage
- Bilateral conditions are not covered
Additional Details
Veterinarian-founded, Pets Best offers premium, affordable coverage for exams, diagnostics, treatments, surgeries, hospitalizations, prescription medications, and more.
Claims Process: Online, Pets Best App, or by email or fax
Embrace
Waiting Periods
2 days for accident coverage, 14 days for illness coverage, and 6 months for orthopedic coverage
Available Plans
Accident and Illness, Accident-only, and Wellness Rewards (add-on)
Pets Covered
Dogs and Cats
Maximum Annual Coverage
$5,000, $8,000, $10,000, $15,000, or $30,000
Reimbursement Choices
70%, 80%, or 90%
Deductible Choices
$100, $250, $500, $750, or $1,000
Discounts Available
10% multi-pet discount, 5% military discount
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Pros:
- Covers a wide range of conditions, including dental illness or injury
- Offers policyholders access to 24/7 Pet Telehealth
- Diminishing deductible perks for every year a pet goes without a claim
Cons:
- 6-month waiting period for orthopedic conditions (unless waived by exam)
- No direct-vet-pay option
Additional Details
A trusted name in pet insurance, Embrace offers comprehensive customizable coverage for exams, diagnostics, treatments, surgeries, hospitalizations, prescription medications, and more.
Claims Process: Online, Embrace App, or by email or fax
ManyPets
Waiting Periods
15 days but can be waived if switching providers
Available Plans
Accident and Illness Plan and Wellness (add-on)
Pets Covered
Dogs and Cats
Maximum Annual Coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursement Choices
70% or 80%
Deductible Choices
$500
Discounts Available
None
Show More Details
Pros:
- Covers a wide range of conditions, including dental illness or injury
- Unlimited coverage at an affordable price
- No extended waiting periods for orthopedic conditions
Cons:
- Hip dysplasia is only covered in pets enrolled before age 6
- No direct-vet-pay option
Additional Details
A top pet insurance provider in the UK for many years, ManyPets recently entered the US market and has quickly become a pet owner favorite for its unlimited coverage and affordable plans. Coverage includes exams, diagnostics, treatments, surgeries, hospitalizations, prescription medications, and more.
Claims Process: Online portal
Nationwide
Waiting Periods
14 days for accident and illness coverage, 12 months for cruciate ligament coverage
Available Plans
Major Medical or Whole Pet Plan (Accident and Illness Plans), Modular Plan (à la carte-style plan with several options of coverage), Wellness add-ons, and Avian and Exotic Plan
Pets Covered
Dogs, Cats, Birds, and Exotics (such as reptiles, potbelly pigs, rabbits, and other small mammals)
Maximum Annual Coverage
Unlimited
Reimbursement Choices
50%, 70%, or 90%
Deductible Choices
$250
Discounts Available
5% multi-pet discount, 5% bundle discount when pairing with other plans (home, auto, renters, or life)
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Pros:
- Covers a wide range of conditions, including dental illness or injury
- Prescription drug discounts through their PetRxExpress program
- Offers 24/7 Pet Telehealth
Cons:
- Only one choice of deductible
- No direct-vet-pay option
Additional Details
One of the oldest and most trusted names in the insurance world, Nationwide offers pet owners some of the most comprehensive and customizable coverage on the market. They have several plans to choose from with coverage options for exams, diagnostics, treatments, surgeries, hospitalizations, prescription medications, and more.
Claims Process: Online portal or by email or fax
Lemonade
Waiting Periods
2 days for accident coverage, 14 days for illness coverage, and 6 months for cruciate ligament coverage
Available Plans
Accident and Illness Plan, Preventative Care, Preventative Care Plus, and Puppy/Kitten Plan
Pets Covered
Dogs and Cats
Maximum Annual Coverage
$5,000, $10,000, $20,000, $50,000, or $100,000
Reimbursement Choices
70%, 80%, or 90%
Deductible Choices
$100, $250, or $500
Discounts Available
5% multi-pet discount, 10% bundle discount when pairing with other plans (home, auto, renters, or life)
Show More Details
Pros:
- Covers a wide range of conditions
- Highly customizable coverage
- Affordable plans for all budgets
Cons:
- Exam fees are not included in the base plan
- No direct-vet-pay option
Additional Details
Renowned for its high-tech, AI-powered approach and more affordable coverage, Lemonade offers coverage for diagnostics, lab work, treatments, surgeries, hospitalizations, and more.
Claims Process: AI-powered claims through the Lemonade App
Disclaimer: As with all insurance, pre-existing conditions are excluded, changes in coverage or eligibility can occur, and other stipulations may apply. Get a personalized pet insurance quote for more details.
Maryland Pet Hazards
Like all states, Maryland has unique hazards that pet owners residing in the state should be aware of. Learning how to prevent your pet from coming into contact with these hazards, knowing what to do if they do, and having pet insurance to help cover emergencies are all important factors in keeping your pet safe and healthy. Here are some of the most common pet health hazards found in Maryland:
Dangerous Plants And Animals
Maryland has plenty of great outdoor spaces, hiking trails, and campgrounds, but if you’re heading into any of these with your dog in tow, there are a few plants and animals you should look out for. Maryland is home to bears, coyotes, and a few species of venomous snakes. Venomous spiders such as the Black Widow and Brown Recluse can also be found in the state.
Dangerous plants you may encounter in the woods in Maryland include hemlock and hogweed, both of which are highly toxic if ingested. Foxtails, which can pose a danger by becoming embedded in your dog’s skin and even end up in their nose and lungs, can also be found growing along wooded areas and in meadows.
Keeping Your Pets Safe Outdoors In Maryland:
- Keep dogs leashed, stay on marked trails, and be on the lookout for dangerous plants
- Use caution around woodpiles, bushes, and rocks where snakes or spiders may be lurking
- Only hike or camp with your dog in designated dog-friendly sites
- Make sure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccines and parasite preventatives
- If your dog does have a run-in with wildlife or a dangerous plant, seek veterinary attention right away, especially if they get bit, scratched, or ingest something toxic
Toxic Algae
While Maryland is known for its beautiful Chesapeake Bay area and water recreation, during the summer, the bay and other bodies of water can actually become a hazard to both humans and pets. Warm temperatures can cause toxic algal blooms. The biggest danger typically occurs when dogs swim in or drink from water with toxic algae.
Symptoms Of Toxic Algae Exposure In Dogs:
- Weakness/collapse
- Excessive drooling
- Pale gums
- Respiratory distress/heavy panting
- Disorientation/lack of coordination
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Seizures
Exposure to toxic algae can be incredibly dangerous and cause neurological problems, liver failure, and sudden death. Dogs exposed to toxic algae should be brought to an emergency veterinary hospital right away. Unfortunately, even with early intervention, many dogs still succumb to the toxicity so prevention is key.
Preventing Toxic Algae Exposure In Dogs:
- Check for posted warning signs around lakes and local algal bloom maps
- Never let your dog swim or play near bodies of water with suspected algal blooms
- Keep pets away from all forms of stagnant water like puddles or birdbaths
- Know the signs of toxic algae such as blue or green-tinted water, foamy appearance, foul smell, and dead fish
- Keep dogs leashed when walking around lakes, rivers, or ponds
Antifreeze Poisoning
Maryland can experience some snowy winters, especially in the western part of the state. While antifreeze poisoning can happen year-round, it’s especially common during the winter months when it can be found on sidewalks and driveways, often leaking from cars or snowblowers. Both cats and dogs are unfortunately attracted to this sweet chemical.
Symptoms Of Antifreeze Poisoning In Pets:
- Lethargy
- Stumbling/lack of coordination/confusion
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Excessive thirst/dehydration
- Increased heart rate and respiration/excessive panting
Antifreeze is highly toxic and can cause kidney failure within just hours. Sadly, many pet owners may not even know their pet has ingested antifreeze until they start exhibiting symptoms. Pets often come into contact with antifreeze by licking it off the street or driveway, or by stepping in it and licking their paws later on. Even small amounts can be fatal. If you suspect your pet has ingested any antifreeze, it’s imperative to get them to the emergency vet right away.
Preventing Antifreeze Poisoning In Pets:
- Keep dogs on a leash and pay close attention on walks
- Don’t allow cats to roam alone outside
- Be mindful of suspicious puddles on sidewalks and driveways
- Clean up any antifreeze leaks around the home right away, be careful not to track any indoors
- Keep pets out of the garage or anywhere antifreeze is stored
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is The Average Cost Of Pet Insurance In Maryland?
Maryland pet owners will spend around $40 to $60 per month to insure a dog, and $20 to $30 a month to insure a cat. While these are some average ranges, it’s important to note that pet insurance is highly individualized. Your premiums will be determined by your individual pet’s breed, age, sex, medical history, and location. Your choice of coverage, deductible, and reimbursement rate will also play a role in determining your monthly premiums.
What Is The Average Cost Of Veterinary Care In Maryland?
The cost of veterinary care in Maryland is higher than the national average due to its higher cost-of-living rate, however, regionally there can be a big difference. Clinics found in more rural areas, especially in Western Maryland, have significantly lower prices than those found in the Baltimore area or closer to Washington D.C. Overall, veterinary costs in Maryland are comparable to other Mid-Atlantic states like Delaware and Pennsylvania.
How Does Pet Insurance In Maryland Compare To Other States?
The pet insurance market in Maryland is pretty consistent with the national average. Most top providers offer coverage in Maryland and there are no outstanding exceptions or exclusions specific to the state. Although commonly confused, it’s important to note that Maryland is different from Washington D.C. which is a territory, not a state, and has an entirely different insurance market. Overall, pet owners in Maryland have plenty of options for finding a plan that fits their pet’s needs and their budget.
Are There Any Special Pet Insurance Discounts Available In Maryland?
While there are no special pet insurance discounts specific to Maryland, some providers do offer other types of discounts when you enroll multiple pets, bundle with other services like home or auto (only available with certain companies), or have served in the military. Occasionally, pet insurance promotions are offered when adopting a new pet. Inquire with your chosen provider for a full list of available discounts.
Find out more
- What is Pet Insurance? – An introductory guide to pet insurance.
- Pet Dental Insurance – Considering dental insurance for your pet.
- Accident-Only Pet Insurance – Is accident-only coverage enough?
- Senior Pet Insurance – Choosing the best plan for senior pets.
- Does Pet Insurance Cover Cancer? – Navigating cancer treatment options with insurance.
- Life Insurance for Pets – The importance of considering life insurance.
- Is Pet Insurance Worth It? – Making an informed decision on pet insurance.
- Does Pet Insurance Cover Surgery? – Understanding coverage for surgical procedures.
Lauren Rey
Author
With 15 years of experience in the veterinary industry, Lauren is well-versed in the world of pet insurance. She’s a content writer for several online pet publications and loves to help pet parents stay informed. When not researching the latest pet news, you’ll probably find her off on an adventure with her rescue dog Pickles.
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