Can I cancel COBRA and get a refund?
Asked by: Derek Sporer PhD | Last update: October 18, 2025Score: 5/5 (42 votes)
What happens if you cancel COBRA?
Keep in mind if you choose to terminate your COBRA continuation coverage early with no special enrollment opportunity at that time, you generally will have to wait to enroll in other coverage until the next open enrollment period for the new group health plan or the Marketplace.
Is canceling COBRA considered a qualifying event?
However, you won't qualify if you decide to end COBRA early and are paying the full benefit cost yourself. You also don't qualify if you lose your COBRA coverage because you didn't pay your premiums. Remember, you don't need a special enrollment period if you voluntarily end COBRA during open enrollment.
Can I get a refund if I cancel my insurance policy?
Receiving an insurance refund will largely depend on why you're canceling the policy and how much of the premium you paid in advance. If you pay your full premium upfront, then you'll typically get a refund when you cancel your policy.
What is the COBRA loophole?
If you decide to enroll in COBRA health insurance, your coverage will be retroactive, meaning it will apply to any medical bills incurred during the 60-day decision period. This loophole can save you money by avoiding premium payments unless you actually need care during this time.
How To Cancel COBRA Insurance | cancel cobra insurance plan
What happens if I elect COBRA but don't pay?
There is no grace period if you're late paying your initial COBRA premium payment. 3 If it isn't paid on time (ie, within 45 days of electing COBRA), you lose your right to have COBRA coverage; you'll have to find other health insurance options or you'll be uninsured.
What is the 105 day COBRA loophole?
So, if you maxed out the 60 day election period plus the 45 day payment period, you could actually go 105 days without paying for the coverage.
How to get insurance money back?
Another method of getting the money-back on a term insurance plan is by cancelling it in its free-look period. You can know the details about the free-look period of a policy in the policy document.
Will I get fined if I cancel my insurance?
Canceling your policy too soon means you may face legal repercussions, like hefty fines or having your license suspended. When you cancel, you'll have a lapse in coverage. This isn't a problem if you won't be driving.
Does cancelling health insurance affect credit score?
Canceling insurance generally does not affect your credit rating directly, as insurers do not report cancellations to credit bureaus. However, indirect effects can occur.
Does COBRA give refunds?
Premium payments for your COBRA health insurance continuation coverage, will coverage for a full month. Major medical plans will most often start on the first of the month and end on the last day. Generally, there are no refunds when you cancel your plan early.
What are the disadvantages of COBRA coverage?
- COBRA can be expensive, especially compared to the premiums you were paying before your qualifying event. ...
- COBRA does not apply to all employer-sponsored health plans—in particular, those organizations with fewer than 20 employees may have no requirements. ...
- Even if you get an extension, COBRA is only temporary.
Can I switch from COBRA to private insurance?
You can only drop COBRA and sign up for a Marketplace plan and premium tax credits during Open Enrollment. You will have to drop your COBRA coverage effective on the date your new Marketplace plan coverage begins.
Is canceling COBRA a qualifying event?
No, stopping payment for COBRA coverage is not considered a qualifying event.
Why is COBRA so expensive?
COBRA coverage is not cheap.
Why? Because you're now responsible for paying your portion of your health insurance: The cost your employer contributed to your premium, in addition to the 2% service fee on the cost of your insurance.
Can I quit and get COBRA?
Yes, You Can Get COBRA Insurance After You Quit Your Job
To be eligible for COBRA, you need to have been a covered employee and must have had insurance coverage at the time of your employment termination.
Do you get a refund if you cancel insurance?
Some insurance companies permit you to cancel right over the phone or online. Other insurers may require written notification or a signed document. Generally, insurers will refund you the money for the unused portion of your policy, assuming you paid in advance.
Can insurance companies charge a cancellation fee?
"It's a common misconception that cancelling within the 14-day 'cooling off' period means you don't have to pay any fees. While you should get some kind of refund from your insurer, you still have to pay for the days you've had cover for. And insurers can charge an admin fee for cancelling within this window.
Can you get a refund for unused insurance?
You have 21 days from when your policy begins or is renewed to change your mind. If you cancel within this period and haven't made a claim, you can get a full refund.
Can you reverse an insurance payment?
Some situations require an insurance payment reversal (e.g., the insurance overpaid or paid in error). Once the applied payment amount is reversed, you can either refund the unapplied payment amount to the insurance or apply it later to another service line.
Can I get money back from paying health insurance?
Commercial Plans/Insurers
California law allows health plans, their delegated groups and health insurers 365 days from the date of payment to request a refund, except in cases of fraud or misrepresentation.
Can COBRA be cancelled mid month?
We can only terminate coverage back to the beginning of the 30-day payment grace period in which the COBRA Benefits Termination Form is postmarked or the latest date through which premiums have been paid, whichever is earlier.
What is the loophole for COBRA coverage?
Understanding the 60-Day Loophole
It's not so much of a loophole, but two 60-day windows of time to remember. You have a 60-day window following the end of your employer-sponsored plan to select COBRA coverage or choose a new plan in the individual ACA marketplace.
What is the 14 day rule for COBRA?
14-Day Notice Period
The HR office must provide the COBRA Election Notice and Election Form to qualified beneficiaries within 14 days from the date of the qualifying event or loss of coverage, or when the HR office is notified, whichever comes first.