What a funeral costs in Maryland
NFDA doesn't publish funeral prices by state. Nationally, the median cost of a funeral with viewing and burial was $8,300 in 2023, and $6,280 for a funeral with viewing and cremation. Cemetery costs such as a plot, vault, and headstone are extra, and prices vary widely between funeral homes.
In Maryland, about 50.3% of deaths resulted in cremation as of 2020. Source: NFDA 2025 Cremation & Burial Report, state table (final 2020 data)
Federal law (the FTC Funeral Rule) requires funeral homes to give you an itemized price list, so you can compare. Estimate your own total with our funeral cost calculator.
Consumer protections in Maryland
If a life insurer licensed in Maryland becomes insolvent, the Maryland Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Corporation covers up to $300,000 in death benefits and $100,000 in cash value per insured life. Source: Maryland Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Corporation: FAQ
You have 10 days after receiving a new individual life insurance policy to review it and return it for a refund (Cancel by written notice to the insurer within 10 days after delivery; the insurer returns a pro rata premium for the unexpired term (Md. Code, Ins. § 16-105)). Source: Maryland Code, Insurance § 16-105
Questions or complaints about an insurer or agent go to the Maryland Insurance Administration (800-492-6116). Funeral homes are licensed by the Maryland State Board of Morticians and Funeral Directors.
Help paying for a funeral
The Maryland Department of Human Services Burial Assistance Program pays a limited benefit directly to the funeral director when the person who died received, or was eligible for, a DHS public assistance program; it cannot reimburse expenses already paid. Source: Maryland Department of Human Services: Burial Assistance
Veterans may qualify for VA burial allowances and a free burial in a national or state veterans cemetery — see benefits for Maryland veterans. A small final expense policy is one way families make sure the rest is covered; learn how final expense insurance works and how guaranteed issue waiting periods work.
Frequently asked questions
What happens to my life insurance in Maryland if the insurance company fails?
The Maryland Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Corporation protects Maryland policyholders if a licensed insurer becomes insolvent, up to $300,000 in life insurance death benefits and $100,000 in cash value per insured life under state law. Coverage above those limits isn't protected.
See final expense optionsHow long do I have to cancel a new life insurance policy in Maryland?
Maryland gives you a free-look period of 10 days to review a new individual life insurance policy and return it for a refund. Cancel by written notice to the insurer within 10 days after delivery; the insurer returns a pro rata premium for the unexpired term (Md. Code, Ins. § 16-105). Check your policy for the exact terms.
See final expense optionsHow common is cremation in Maryland?
About 50.3% of deaths in Maryland resulted in cremation as of 2020, according to NFDA 2025 Cremation & Burial Report, state table (final 2020 data).
See final expense optionsWho regulates life insurance in Maryland?
The Maryland Insurance Administration licenses insurers and agents and handles consumer complaints; its consumer line is 800-492-6116. Funeral homes are licensed by the Maryland State Board of Morticians and Funeral Directors.
See final expense options