How to Cancel UnitedHealthcare in 2026

Updated February 2026 • 9 min read

UnitedHealthcare (UHC) is the largest health insurer in the United States, covering over 50 million people. If you are one of them and want to cancel, the process depends on your plan type. UHC makes it straightforward once you know the right path — but calling the wrong department can waste hours.

UHC Phone Numbers by Plan Type

• General member services: 1-800-328-5979
• Medicare Advantage: 1-800-457-8506
• Marketplace plans: 1-800-514-3571
• Dental: 1-800-232-0990
• Vision: 1-800-638-3120
• myuhc.com: Online plan management (limited self-service cancellation)

Canceling Employer-Sponsored UHC

This is the most common UHC plan type. If your employer provides your coverage, UHC cannot cancel your plan — only your employer can. Contact your HR or benefits department. Changes are only allowed during open enrollment or with a qualifying life event. If you are leaving the company, your coverage typically ends on your last day or end of that month (check with HR for your specific policy).

Canceling a Marketplace UHC Plan

1. Log into healthcare.gov or your state exchange
2. Go to "My Plans & Programs"
3. Select your UnitedHealthcare plan
4. Click "End Coverage"
5. Select your end date
6. Confirm the cancellation

Alternatively, call the marketplace line at 1-800-514-3571 if you prefer phone cancellation. Keep your marketplace application ID handy.

Canceling UHC Individual Plans

1. Call 1-800-328-5979
2. Have your member ID card ready
3. Verify your identity (date of birth, address, last 4 of SSN)
4. Request cancellation with your desired end date
5. Get a confirmation number
6. Request written confirmation via email

UHC Medicare Advantage Plans

UHC is the largest Medicare Advantage provider in the US. Disenrollment is only allowed during specific periods:

• Annual Enrollment Period: October 15 - December 7
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 - March 31
• Special Enrollment Period: Qualifying events (moving, losing coverage, etc.)

To disenroll, call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or UHC Medicare at 1-800-457-8506. You will switch back to Original Medicare unless you enroll in a different Medicare Advantage plan.

Canceling UHC Dental and Vision

UHC dental and vision are often separate products. If you have standalone dental or vision coverage (not bundled with employer health insurance), call the respective number above. If bundled with your employer plan, go through HR. Standalone plans can typically be canceled anytime with 30 days notice.

What UHC Costs and Why People Switch

Average UHC premiums: $350-600/month for individual coverage. Common reasons people cancel:

• Premium increases (UHC raised rates in most markets for 2026)
• Claim denials — UHC has faced significant criticism for prior authorization practices
• Network restrictions — narrow networks in some areas
• Better options found during open enrollment
• Job change with new employer coverage
• Turning 65 and switching to Medicare
• Relocating to an area with limited UHC network

After Cancellation Checklist

• Save your cancellation confirmation number
• Monitor bank statements for continued premium deductions
• Submit any pending claims before your coverage end date
• Fill any prescriptions you need before coverage lapses
• Notify your doctors of your new insurance information
• Keep your UHC ID card until all pending claims are settled
• Consider COBRA if between employer plans (expensive but provides continuity)

The Bottom Line

UnitedHealthcare cancellation is plan-type dependent. Employer plans go through HR, marketplace plans through healthcare.gov, and individual plans through a phone call. Medicare Advantage has its own enrollment periods. Know which type you have, call the right number, and always have your next coverage ready before dropping UHC.