Cancel Ameritas: The Right Way

How to cancel Ameritas insurance and protect your cross-border coverage rights

Understanding Ameritas and your canadian coverage

Ameritas is a United States-based insurance company offering dental, vision, and group health coverage primarily to U.S. customers. If you are a Canadian resident holding an Ameritas plan, you likely purchased it through a cross-border employer, a U.S. workplace arrangement, or during time spent working or living in the United States. This matters because your cancellation rights, refund eligibility, and consumer protections differ significantly from those of U.S. policyholders.

Your first step is to locate your policy documents. You will need your policy number, the effective date, and any correspondence showing where and how you purchased the plan. This information is essential to understand your jurisdiction and your cancellation options. Tocancel recognizes that cross-border insurance situations create confusion, and gathering these documents now will save you time later.

Why canadians hold Ameritas coverage

You may have an Ameritas plan for several reasons. You work or worked for a U.S.-based employer that extends dental or vision benefits to Canadian employees. You purchased individual coverage while living or working in the United States and continued it after moving to Canada. Your spouse or family member holds U.S. employment and added you to their group plan. Or your Canadian employer negotiated cross-border coverage through an American insurance provider.

Each scenario carries different cancellation rules and refund timelines. Therefore, confirming your plan's jurisdiction and terms before you cancel is critical to protecting your rights.

Ameritas plan types and coverage

Ameritas offers several coverage types. Dental plans cover preventive care (cleanings, exams), basic restorative work (fillings, extractions), and major services (crowns, root canals) at varying benefit levels. Vision plans include eye exams, corrective lenses, and contact lens benefits. Group employer plans bundle multiple coverage types for workforces. Because Ameritas does not directly retail plans to Canadian consumers, Canadian dollar pricing is not publicly posted; costs depend on your specific plan type and employer arrangement.

Your consumer rights when cancelling Ameritas

Your legal protections depend on whether you purchased the plan within Canada or in the United States, and whether Ameritas falls under Canadian provincial insurance oversight in your province.

Regulatory jurisdiction and your protection gaps

Ameritas is regulated by United States insurance authorities (typically the Nebraska Department of Insurance, as Ameritas is based in Lincoln, Nebraska), not by your provincial insurance regulator. This means provincial insurance acts in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, and other provinces may not grant you the same cooling-off periods or cancellation rights that apply to Canadian-regulated insurance products.

Your legal position is this: if you purchased the plan in the United States, you are largely subject to U.S. contract law and Ameritas's policy terms. However, if you are a Canadian resident and Ameritas has treated you unfairly-for example, refusing a valid refund or cancelling your coverage without proper notice-you may still file a complaint with your provincial insurance regulator. In Ontario, contact the Financial Services Regulatory Authority. In Quebec, contact the Autorité des marchés financiers. Tocancel recommends keeping all policy documents, correspondence, and cancellation requests as evidence.

The 30-day free-look period

Ameritas offers a 30-day "free examination" or "free-look" period from your policy's effective date. During this window, you can cancel and receive a full refund of premiums without penalty, provided you have not filed any claims. This is your strongest cancellation right, and Ameritas must honour it by law.

Mark your policy effective date clearly. If your policy took effect on January 15, your free-look window closes on February 14. Do not wait until the last day; submit your cancellation request by day 25 to ensure Ameritas receives it within the deadline. Once the 30-day window closes, you lose this automatic refund right and may face early termination fees or pro-rata refunds instead.

How to cancel Ameritas step by step

Cancellation methods vary depending on whether you hold a group employer plan or individual coverage, and whether Ameritas provides online, phone, or mail-only cancellation in Canada.

Cancellation methods and contact options

Ameritas does not currently offer direct online cancellation for Canadian policyholders. This means you will need to cancel by phone, email, or postal mail. Each method has advantages and risks; mail creates a paper trail, while phone allows you to ask questions in real time. Tocancel recommends using certified mail with return receipt (in Canada, called "Signature on Delivery" via Canada Post) as the safest option because it proves Ameritas received your cancellation request.

For employer group plans, contact your plan administrator or human resources department first; they may handle cancellation on your behalf or provide you with Ameritas's direct contact information. For individual plans, contact Ameritas directly. Gather your policy number, full name, date of birth, and the cancellation date you want to use before you reach out.

Cancellation by phone

1. Locate your policy documents and write down your policy number, effective date, and any customer service contact information.
2. Call Ameritas's main customer service line. As a Canadian calling a U.S. company, expect standard long-distance rates. Have your policy number and identification ready.
3. Clearly state: "I want to cancel my policy, effective [date]." Provide your name, date of birth, and policy number.
4. Ask the agent to confirm:
   • Your cancellation date and whether it falls within the 30-day free-look period (full refund) or after (potential fees).
   • The refund amount and timeline (typically 5-10 business days).
   • Whether any outstanding claims exist that could affect your refund.
5. Request that the agent email you a cancellation confirmation with your cancellation number, effective date, and refund details.
6. Keep the confirmation email and the cancellation reference number for your records.

Cancellation by certified mail

1. Write a short, formal cancellation letter. Include your full name, policy number, date of birth, current address, and the effective cancellation date you request.
2. State clearly: "I hereby request cancellation of my Ameritas policy, effective [date]." Include the phrase "Please confirm receipt and send a cancellation confirmation to my address."
3. Sign and date the letter. Make a copy for your records before sending.
4. Visit your local Canada Post office and send the letter via "Signature on Delivery" (Canada Post's equivalent of certified mail with return receipt). This service costs approximately CAD 15-20 and guarantees proof of delivery.
5. Request the receipt and tracking number from the postal clerk. Keep this receipt; it proves you sent the cancellation request on a specific date.
6. Wait 5-7 business days after delivery. If you do not receive a cancellation confirmation from Ameritas, follow up by phone or email with your tracking number as proof of mailing.

Cancellation by email

1. Compose an email from your registered account email address. Include your full name, policy number, date of birth, and the effective cancellation date.
2. Write: "I request cancellation of my Ameritas policy, effective [date]. Please confirm receipt of this request and provide a cancellation confirmation number."
3. Send the email to Ameritas's customer service address (typically found on your policy or the Ameritas website).
4. Request a read receipt or delivery confirmation so you know Ameritas received the email.
5. Follow up by phone within 3-5 business days if you do not receive a confirmation. Email alone does not guarantee Ameritas saw your request.

Refunds and how long you wait to receive money

Your refund depends on when you cancel and whether you are within the 30-day free-look period.

Free-look refunds (cancel within 30 days)

If you cancel within the 30-day free-look period and have filed no claims, Ameritas must refund 100% of your premiums. Refunds typically process within 5-10 business days after Ameritas receives your cancellation request. Tocancel recommends confirming the refund timeline with the agent when you cancel so you know what to expect.

After the 30-day window closes, you lose the automatic full refund right. Any cancellation after day 30 may result in a pro-rata refund (you receive only the unearned portion of your premiums for the remaining days of the month) or may be subject to early termination fees outlined in your policy.

Pro-rata refunds (cancel after 30 days)

If you cancel after the 30-day period, Ameritas calculates a pro-rata refund based on the number of days remaining in your coverage period. For example, if you paid CAD 300 for a 30-day month and you cancel on day 20, you may receive approximately CAD 100 (refund for the 10 remaining days). However, some policies include early termination fees that reduce this amount further.

Ask Ameritas to calculate your exact refund before you submit your cancellation request. Request this calculation in writing (email or letter) so you have proof of what Ameritas promised you would receive.

Refund timeline and payment method

Ameritas typically refunds premiums to the original payment method (credit card, bank account, or cheque) within 5-10 business days. If you paid by credit card, the refund appears as a credit to your card statement. If you paid by bank transfer or cheque, Ameritas may issue a cheque to your mailing address, which can take 10-14 business days to arrive.

If 14 days pass and you have not received your refund, contact Ameritas again with your cancellation confirmation number. Request a refund status and an updated timeline. Tocancel reminds you to keep all correspondence in case you need to escalate to your provincial insurance regulator.

Common cancellation mistakes and how to avoid them

Cancelling insurance feels stressful, and it is easy to make errors that delay your refund or put your coverage at risk. Here are the traps to watch for.

Mistake 1: not confirming cancellation in writing

If you cancel by phone and do not request an email confirmation, Ameritas may later claim it never received your cancellation request. Always ask for a cancellation confirmation number during your phone call. Always request that the agent email you a summary of your cancellation, including the effective date and refund amount. Without written proof, you have no way to prove you cancelled on time.

Mistake 2: missing the 30-day free-look deadline

The 30-day window is strict. It starts on your policy effective date and ends exactly 30 days later. If you submit your cancellation request on day 31, you miss the full refund. Therefore, if you are certain you want to cancel, submit your request by day 25 at the latest to ensure Ameritas receives it within the window.

Mistake 3: cancelling without having replacement coverage in place

If you cancel Ameritas and do not have another dental or vision plan ready, you will lose coverage immediately. Before you cancel, confirm that your new coverage (through your Canadian employer, private insurance, or provincial health plan) starts on the same date or earlier. A gap in coverage could leave you responsible for out-of-pocket dental and vision expenses.

Mistake 4: not checking for outstanding claims

If you have submitted a claim to Ameritas but it has not yet been processed, cancelling your policy may delay or invalidate that claim. Ask Ameritas whether any claims are pending before you submit your cancellation. If a claim is in progress, consider waiting until it is resolved before you cancel.

Mistake 5: cancelling without understanding early termination fees

Some Ameritas plans include early termination fees if you cancel outside the free-look period. These fees are outlined in your policy's fine print. Before you cancel after day 30, ask Ameritas to calculate your refund minus any applicable fees. Do not assume you will receive a pro-rata refund; confirm the exact amount in writing.

After your Ameritas cancellation: what happens next

Cancellation is not instant, and several things happen in the days and weeks after you request it. Understanding this timeline will help you stay on top of your coverage and refund.

Immediate steps (day of cancellation request)

When you submit your cancellation request, Ameritas does not immediately stop your coverage. Your policy remains active until the effective cancellation date you specified. If you requested cancellation effective immediately, your coverage ends that day. If you requested cancellation effective at the end of the month, your coverage continues through that date. You are still covered for claims during this transition period, so do not assume you are uninsured.

Confirmation and refund processing (5-10 business days)

Within 5-10 business days, Ameritas sends you a cancellation confirmation. This confirms your cancellation date, refund amount, and estimated refund arrival date. Check this confirmation carefully against your records. If the cancellation date or refund amount is wrong, contact Ameritas immediately to request a correction.

Your refund processes separately from the cancellation. Even after your coverage ends, your refund may take an additional 5-10 business days to appear in your account, depending on your payment method.

Switching to new coverage

If you have arranged new dental or vision coverage through a Canadian provider, ensure it starts on or before your Ameritas cancellation date. Tocancel recommends notifying your new provider of your Ameritas cancellation date so they can coordinate coverage seamlessly. Keep copies of both your Ameritas cancellation confirmation and your new coverage documents for your records.

Following up on missing refunds

If 14 business days pass after Ameritas processes your refund and you have not received it, contact your bank or credit card company to check the status. Then contact Ameritas with your cancellation number and ask them to trace the refund. Request that Ameritas reissue the refund if it was lost in transit. Document all follow-up communications in case you need to escalate to your provincial insurance regulator.

Creating your Ameritas cancellation checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you complete every step and protect your refund.

Tocancel: empowering canadian consumers to cancel with confidence

Cancelling Ameritas as a Canadian requires careful attention to cross-border regulations, timelines, and proof of communication. You have rights, even though Ameritas is U.S.-regulated. Your 30-day free-look period is a legal entitlement. Your refund request must be honoured in writing. Your provincial insurance regulator is your escalation point if Ameritas refuses to cooperate.

Tocancel exists to guide you through exactly these situations. Our experts have helped thousands of consumers cancel cross-border insurance, subscription services, and memberships without losing money or falling into traps. When you cancel Ameritas, use the phone or certified mail method to create a paper trail. Confirm every step in writing. Follow up within 14 days if your refund does not arrive. If Ameritas resists, contact your provincial insurance regulator and file a formal complaint.

You control this process. Tocancel is here to make sure you cancel Ameritas on your terms, recover your refund, and move to better coverage. Visit Tocancel (tocancel.com) for templates, regulatory contact information, and step-by-step guides for cancelling any service in Canada. Your rights matter. Tocancel ensures you know them and can exercise them with confidence.

Contact information for Ameritas

Write to Ameritas by certified mail (Signature on Delivery via Canada Post) at their primary U.S. address. Confirm the current mailing address on your policy or the Ameritas website before sending, as corporate addresses occasionally change. Include your policy number, name, date of birth, and cancellation effective date. Send a copy to your own records and keep the Canada Post receipt as proof of delivery.

For phone support, locate the customer service number on your policy document or Ameritas's website. Call during business hours (U.S. Central Time) and have your policy number ready. Request a confirmation email after you cancel.