Maryland Life & Health Insurance Exam 2026

Welcome to your FREE Maryland Life & Health Insurance exam preparation guide. This comprehensive study resource covers Maryland-specific insurance laws, regulations, and requirements you need to pass your state licensing exam.

Note: This guide covers Maryland state-specific content. You should also study national Life & Health insurance concepts, as the majority of the exam tests general insurance knowledge.

Why Get Licensed in Maryland?

Maryland offers excellent opportunities for insurance professionals:

• No Pre-License Education: As of October 2024, no formal education required before the exam
• DC Metro Market: Access to wealthy Washington D.C. suburbs
• Diverse Economy: Government, healthcare, biotech, and defense industries
• Affluent Population: High household incomes mean demand for sophisticated insurance products
• Healthcare Hub: Johns Hopkins and other major medical institutions
• Growing Tech Sector: Cybersecurity and biotech companies in Baltimore and Montgomery County
• Stable Employment: Government and contractor jobs create steady insurance demand

What This Guide Covers

This FREE study guide includes:

• Maryland Insurance Law & Regulations - MIA structure, Maryland Insurance Article
• Life Insurance - Maryland-specific provisions, policy requirements, beneficiary rules
• Health Insurance - State mandates, consumer protections, continuation rights
• Licensing Requirements - Application process, exam structure, CE requirements
• Practice Questions - Quiz questions with detailed explanations in each chapter

Exam Format & Requirements

Pre-License Education

As of October 1, 2024, Maryland does NOT require pre-licensing education for Life & Health insurance. However, completing a prep course is highly recommended as the exam is comprehensive.

If you choose to take pre-license education (recommended), the typical course hours are:

• Life Only: 20 hours
• Health Only: 20 hours
• Combined Life, Accident & Health: 40 hours

Important Note: Requirements changed in October 2024. If you received previous information about mandatory pre-licensing, please verify current requirements with the Maryland Insurance Administration.

Basic Qualifications

To obtain an insurance license in Maryland, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Be a resident of Maryland
• Pay the required fees
• Complete and submit the NAIC Uniform Individual Application
• Pass the licensing examination
• Apply for a license

Exam Structure

Exam Details

Exam Costs (2026)

• Life Insurance Exam Fee: $60
• Health Insurance Exam Fee: $60
• Pre-License Education (Optional): $150-$400 (varies by provider)
• License Application Fee: Via NIPR
• Total Initial Cost: Approximately $150-$300

Certificate Validity (If Pre-License Education Taken)

If you choose to complete pre-licensing education:

• Certificate is valid for 6 months from date of completion
• You must take and pass your state exam within this timeframe

Application Process

Steps to Get Licensed

1. Study and Prepare: Complete recommended exam prep course (not required but recommended)
2. Schedule Exam: Book with Prometric online or by phone
3. Pass Exam: Score 70% or higher
4. Submit Application: Apply through NIPR
5. Pay Application Fee: As required by MIA
6. Receive License: Maryland Insurance Administration issues license

Application Requirements

Maryland resident applicants must use the online application service at NIPR (National Insurance Producer Registry).

Exam Content Areas

National Content (Life Insurance)

1. General Insurance Concepts (15-20%)

   • Risk and insurance fundamentals
   • Policy structure and provisions
   • Insurable interest and indemnity
   • Insurance company operations

2. Life Insurance Products (30-35%)

   • Term life insurance types
   • Whole life and permanent insurance
   • Universal and variable life
   • Annuities and retirement products

3. Life Insurance Policy Provisions (25-30%)

   • Standard policy provisions
   • Optional provisions and riders
   • Beneficiary designations
   • Settlement options

4. Life Insurance Underwriting & Taxation (15-20%)

   • Underwriting basics
   • Tax treatment of life insurance
   • Business uses of life insurance
   • Estate planning concepts

National Content (Accident & Health)

1. General Insurance Concepts (15-20%)

   • Risk and insurance fundamentals
   • Policy structure and provisions
   • Insurable interest principles

2. Health Insurance Products (30-35%)

   • Medical expense insurance
   • Disability income insurance
   • Long-term care insurance
   • Medicare and Medicaid

3. Health Insurance Policy Provisions (25-30%)

   • Mandatory and optional provisions
   • Policy riders and endorsements
   • Renewal provisions
   • Claims procedures

4. Group Health Insurance (15-20%)

   • Group plan characteristics
   • COBRA and continuation rights
   • ERISA requirements
   • ACA compliance

Maryland State Content

The Maryland-specific portion covers:

1. Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA)

   • Department structure and authority
   • Insurance Commissioner powers
   • Maryland Insurance Article
   • Regulatory oversight and enforcement

2. Maryland Producer Licensing

   • Licensing requirements and process
   • Lines of authority
   • Continuing education requirements (24 hours every 2 years)
   • License renewal procedures

3. Maryland Life Insurance Laws

   • Policy delivery requirements
   • Free look period requirements
   • Beneficiary designation rules
   • Policy replacement regulations
   • Standard policy provisions

4. Maryland Health Insurance Laws

   • State health insurance mandates
   • Maryland continuation rights
   • Maryland Health Benefit Exchange
   • Medicare supplement regulations

5. Maryland Insurance Trade Practices

   • Unfair trade practices
   • Prohibited practices and penalties
   • Consumer protection laws
   • Claims handling requirements

License Maintenance & Continuing Education

CE Requirements

• Total Hours: 24 hours every 2 years
• Ethics Requirement: Ethics hours may be required (check current MIA requirements)
• Deadline: CE must be completed before license expiration

License Renewal

• Renewal Period: Every 2 years
• Renewal Process: Through NIPR
• Late Renewal: Additional fees and potential license lapse

Reporting Requirements

• Report address changes promptly
• Report administrative actions within required timeframe
• Maintain records for required period

Study Strategy

Recommended Study Plan

Week 1-2: National L&H Fundamentals

• Insurance principles and terminology
• Life insurance products and policies
• Health insurance coverages
• Policy provisions and contract law

Week 3: Maryland-Specific Content

• Maryland Insurance Administration structure
• Maryland Insurance Article
• Producer licensing requirements
• Consumer protection laws

Week 4: Practice & Review

• Take practice exams
• Review missed questions
• Focus on weak areas
• Memorize key numbers and dates

Key Numbers to Memorize

Exam Requirements

• Passing Score: 70%
• Life Exam: 80 scored questions in 105 minutes
• Exam Fee: $60

Licensing Requirements

• Minimum Age: 18 years old
• Pre-License Education: NOT required (as of October 2024)

Continuing Education

• CE Hours: 24 hours every 2 years

Maryland Insurance Resources

Official Resources

• Maryland Insurance Administration: insurance.maryland.gov
• Maryland Insurance Article: mgaleg.maryland.gov
• Prometric Exam Information: prometric.com
• NIPR Licensing Portal: nipr.com

Important Contacts

Maryland Insurance Administration

• Address: 200 St. Paul Place, Suite 2700, Baltimore, MD 21202
• Phone: (410) 468-2000
• Toll-Free: (800) 492-6116
• Website: insurance.maryland.gov

Prometric Testing

• Website: prometric.com
• Phone: (800) 853-6769

Getting Started

This study guide is organized into chapters covering Maryland-specific requirements:

Chapter 1: Maryland L&H Regulation & Licensing

• Maryland Insurance Administration structure
• Producer licensing requirements
• Continuing education requirements
• Application process

Chapter 2: Maryland Life Insurance

• State policy requirements
• Free look and replacement rules
• Beneficiary provisions
• Group life insurance

Chapter 3: Maryland Health Insurance

• State health mandates
• Maryland continuation rights
• Medicare supplement regulations
• Long-term care requirements

Chapter 4: Maryland Ethics & Professional Conduct

• Unfair trade practices
• Producer duties to clients
• Claims handling requirements
• Record keeping and documentation

Ready to start? Begin with Chapter 1 to learn about Maryland's regulatory structure and licensing requirements.

Disclaimer

This study guide is for educational purposes only and reflects Maryland insurance laws and regulations as of January 2026. Insurance laws change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the Maryland Insurance Administration at (410) 468-2000 before relying on any information for licensing or business decisions.

Good luck on your Maryland Life & Health insurance exam!