How to Cancel UnitedHealthcare in 2026 (Employer + Individual Plans)
UnitedHealthcare is the largest health insurer in the US — and one of the most complained about. Whether you're switching plans or leaving employer coverage, here's how to cancel without a dangerous gap.
⚠️ Never cancel health insurance without new coverage confirmed. UHC is the largest insurer but also has one of the highest claim denial rates (~32% of in-network claims initially denied per some reports). Even so, being uninsured is worse — one ER visit averages $2,200.
Cancel UHC Employer Plan
Contact HR — you cannot cancel employer coverage through UHC directly
Only possible during open enrollment or with a Qualifying Life Event
If leaving your job: coverage typically ends on your last day or end of month
COBRA: You have 60 days to elect retroactively. Use the wait-and-see strategy.
Cancel UHC Individual/Marketplace Plan
If enrolled via healthcare.gov: Log in → My Plans → End Coverage
If enrolled directly: Call 1-800-328-5979
Request end-of-month cancellation
Get written confirmation
Save Form 1095 documentation for taxes
Cancel UHC Medicare Advantage
UnitedHealthcare is the largest Medicare Advantage provider. To switch or cancel:
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (Jan 1 - Mar 31): Switch to another MA plan or return to Original Medicare
Medicare Open Enrollment (Oct 15 - Dec 7): Switch plans for the following year
Call Medicare directly: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to disenroll
Important: If returning to Original Medicare, you may NOT be able to get a Medigap supplement without medical underwriting (except during guaranteed issue periods)
Cancel UHC Dental/Vision
Dental: Call 1-877-816-3596
Vision (through UHC): Call 1-800-638-3120
Standalone dental/vision can be canceled anytime
Check first: Is dental included in your medical plan? Canceling separately may not be possible if bundled.
The UnitedHealth Group Problem
UnitedHealth Group (UHC's parent) also owns OptumRx (pharmacy), Optum (care delivery), and Change Healthcare (claims processing). This vertical integration means:
PBM control: OptumRx may restrict which pharmacies you can use
Prior authorization overuse: UHC has been repeatedly sued and investigated for using AI to auto-deny claims
Network restrictions: UHC has dropped major health systems from its network in several states
Claim denial rates: Among the highest in the industry according to multiple studies
Before You Cancel: Checklist
✅ New plan confirmed with start date in writing
✅ All pending claims submitted
✅ Prescriptions verified on new plan's formulary (especially if OptumRx was your PBM)
✅ Doctors confirmed in-network on new plan
✅ Prior authorizations transferred or resubmitted
✅ HSA/FSA funds accounted for
✅ Any active appeals documented (you can continue an appeal even after coverage ends)
Alternatives to UnitedHealthcare
Kaiser Permanente: Integrated system, lower premiums, no claim surprises (but you must use Kaiser facilities)
Blue Cross Blue Shield: Available in all states, generally broader networks
Oscar Health: Tech-forward, telemedicine included, simpler billing
Medicaid: Free below 138% FPL in expansion states
Healthcare.gov: Compare all options with subsidy calculator
💡 Appeal Before You Leave: If UHC denied a claim, file your appeal BEFORE canceling. You can continue an appeal after leaving, but it's harder. External review (through your state insurance department) is free and overturns ~40-50% of denials.
🔍 Find All Your Subscriptions
Health insurance is your biggest recurring bill. But what about the other 5-10 subscriptions draining your account? Find them all.