How to Cancel Cigna Health Insurance in 2026 (Timing + Alternatives)

Whether you're switching employers, found cheaper coverage, or aging onto Medicare — here's how to cancel Cigna without leaving yourself exposed.

Cigna Through Your Employer

Most Cigna members get coverage through their employer. If that's you:

• Contact your HR department — you cannot cancel employer plans through Cigna directly
• Open enrollment only: Unless you have a Qualifying Life Event (marriage, baby, job change, moving)
• Leaving your job? Coverage usually ends on your last day or end of the month
• COBRA election period: You have 60 days to decide after losing employer coverage

Cancel Cigna Individual/Marketplace Plan

1. If enrolled via healthcare.gov: Log in → My Plans → End Coverage. Don't call Cigna.
2. If enrolled directly through Cigna: Call 1-800-997-1654 (individual plans)
3. Request cancellation effective at end of current month
4. Ask for written confirmation via email
5. Keep all documentation for tax filing (Form 1095-A)

Cancel Cigna Dental or Vision (Standalone)

Cigna dental and vision plans are often separate from medical:

• Call 1-800-244-6224 for dental
• Call 1-877-478-7557 for vision
• These can usually be canceled anytime without a QLE
• Check: Are you double-covered? Many employer plans include basic dental/vision

Cancel Cigna Supplemental Insurance

Cigna sells accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity plans. These are supplemental — not primary coverage:

• Call 1-800-754-3207 for supplemental products
• These can be canceled anytime
• Reality check: Supplemental insurance is often a bad deal. Critical illness insurance pays a lump sum but has strict qualifying conditions. Most people never collect.

The Cigna-Express Scripts Merger: Why It Matters

Cigna merged with Express Scripts (now The Cigna Group). This means:

• Prescription lock-in: Cigna may require Express Scripts pharmacy, limiting your options
• PBM conflicts: They profit from both your insurance premium AND your medication markup
• Before switching: Check your new plan's PBM — some use CVS Caremark, OptumRx, or allow any pharmacy

Before You Cancel: Checklist

• ✅ New coverage confirmed with start date
• ✅ All pending claims submitted and processed
• ✅ Deductible/out-of-pocket maximum progress noted (resets with new plan)
• ✅ Current prescriptions checked against new plan's formulary
• ✅ Doctors verified as in-network on new plan
• ✅ FSA funds used (HSA funds carry over — no rush)
• ✅ Mental health provider continuity (if applicable)
• ✅ Specialist referrals or pre-authorizations transferred

Cheaper Alternatives

• Healthcare.gov marketplace: Subsidies available up to 400% FPL. Many qualify for $0-100/month plans.
• Medicaid: Free coverage below ~138% FPL in expansion states
• Oscar Health: Tech-forward individual plans, often competitive pricing in metro areas
• Kaiser Permanente: Integrated system — lower costs if you're in their service area
• Ambetter (Centene): Often the cheapest marketplace option, but narrow networks