Cancellation service n°1 in United Kingdom
Thriva is a UK-based health testing service that brings personalised blood testing directly to your home. Founded in 2016, the company has revolutionised how people in the United Kingdom monitor their health by eliminating the need for GP appointments or clinic visits for routine blood tests. Instead, Thriva sends you a simple finger-prick test kit through the post, which you complete at home and return for laboratory analysis.
What sets Thriva apart is their subscription model combined with digital health tracking. Once your blood sample reaches their accredited laboratory, you receive detailed results through their app or website, typically within 48 hours. The results come with personalised health insights, trend tracking over time, and recommendations from their team of doctors. Many users appreciate the convenience of testing at home, especially those monitoring chronic conditions, checking vitamin levels, or simply taking a proactive approach to their wellbeing.
The service operates throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, partnering with NHS-accredited laboratories to ensure clinical accuracy. Thriva's tests measure various biomarkers including cholesterol, vitamin D, iron levels, liver function, and thyroid hormones, depending on which plan you choose. The company has processed hundreds of thousands of tests since launching, making them one of the UK's leading at-home health testing providers.
However, as I've seen with countless subscription services, what starts as a helpful health tool can become an unnecessary expense when circumstances change. Perhaps you've achieved your health goals, your financial situation has shifted, or you've simply found the testing frequency doesn't match your needs anymore. Whatever your reason, understanding how to properly cancel your Thriva subscription is essential to avoid unwanted charges.
Thriva offers several subscription options, each designed for different health monitoring needs. The pricing structure has evolved since their launch, and it's important to understand exactly what you're paying for before you cancel. Most importantly, knowing your specific plan helps you calculate any notice periods or outstanding payments.
Thriva typically operates on a quarterly subscription model, though they've introduced more flexible options over time. Here's what I've seen from processing cancellations for their various tiers:
| Plan Type | Typical Price Range | Testing Frequency | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baseline | £29-39 per test | Quarterly | Essential biomarkers, basic insights |
| Advanced | £59-79 per test | Quarterly | Extended biomarkers, detailed analysis |
| Premium | £99-139 per test | Quarterly | Comprehensive testing, doctor consultations |
Keep in mind that Thriva frequently adjusts their pricing and occasionally offers promotional rates for new members. If you signed up during a special offer, your subscription might renew at a different rate, which catches many people off guard. This price increase is actually one of the most common reasons I see people deciding to cancel.
Each Thriva plan includes the test kit itself, laboratory analysis at an accredited facility, digital results through their platform, and personalised health insights. The more expensive tiers add extra biomarkers and access to their medical team for consultations. Some plans also include nutritional advice and supplement recommendations.
Additionally, Thriva offers add-on tests for specific concerns like fertility, menopause, or sports performance. These add-ons are charged separately and can significantly increase your quarterly costs. When cancelling, make sure you account for any add-ons you've purchased, as these might have different terms.
This is crucial for timing your cancellation correctly. Thriva typically charges you upfront for each test kit before they dispatch it. Most subscriptions renew every three months, but the exact date depends on when you initially signed up. I've helped many people who thought they cancelled in time, only to find they were charged because they missed their renewal date by a few days.
Check your account dashboard or email confirmations to identify your next billing date. This information is essential for calculating when you need to submit your cancellation notice. Most importantly, remember that Thriva requires advance notice, so you can't simply cancel on the day before renewal and expect to avoid the charge.
Understanding Thriva's cancellation policy is absolutely essential before you start the process. I've seen too many people rush into cancellation without reading the terms, then face unexpected charges or complications. Let me walk you through what you need to know.
According to Thriva's terms and conditions, you must provide notice before your next scheduled test is dispatched. The company typically requires at least 48 hours notice before your renewal date, though I always recommend giving more time to account for postal delays and processing. This is where many people make their first mistake—they assume they can cancel right up until the billing date.
Under UK consumer law, specifically the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, you have certain rights when cancelling subscription services. However, these rights primarily apply to the initial cooling-off period of 14 days after signing up. After this period, you're bound by Thriva's specific terms, which is why understanding their policy is so important.
Here's what typically happens with Thriva cancellations based on timing:
| Cancellation Timing | Expected Outcome | Refund Possibility |
|---|---|---|
| Within 14 days of signup | Full cancellation | Yes, if kit unused |
| Before kit dispatch | Next test cancelled | Possible for that cycle |
| After kit dispatch | Charged for current test | Generally no |
Most importantly, once Thriva has dispatched your test kit, they consider that cycle's service as provided, even if you haven't used the kit. This policy makes sense from their perspective—they've incurred costs for the kit, postage, and laboratory booking. However, it means timing is everything when cancelling.
I've encountered several scenarios that complicate cancellations. First, if you've purchased a test kit but haven't returned your sample, Thriva still considers this a completed transaction. You won't receive a refund simply because you changed your mind after receiving the kit.
Second, annual or multi-test prepayment plans have different cancellation terms. If you paid upfront for multiple tests at a discounted rate, cancelling mid-term might not result in a pro-rata refund. The terms usually state that you've agreed to a specific number of tests at a package price.
Third, promotional subscriptions often include minimum term commitments. If you signed up during a special offer, check whether you agreed to continue for a specific period. Breaking these agreements early might mean losing the promotional pricing benefit or facing additional charges.
After processing thousands of subscription cancellations, I consistently recommend the postal method for Thriva, and here's why. First, you create an undeniable paper trail with proof of postage. When you send your cancellation via Recorded Delivery, you have legal evidence that your notice was sent and received, which is invaluable if any disputes arise.
Second, postal cancellation puts your request in writing, which UK consumer law recognises as the strongest form of contract termination. Unlike phone calls that rely on the representative correctly processing your request, or online forms that might experience technical issues, a letter provides concrete documentation.
Third, many subscription services, including health companies like Thriva, have customer retention protocols. When you attempt to cancel through customer service channels, representatives may be required to offer incentives, discounts, or alternatives to keep you subscribed. Whilst this isn't necessarily problematic, it can make the process longer and more complicated. A postal cancellation is straightforward and final.
Now let's get into the practical steps for cancelling your Thriva subscription by post. I'll walk you through everything you need to do, including common mistakes to avoid at each stage.
Before you write anything, collect these essential details from your Thriva account. First, log into your account and note your membership number or customer reference. This appears on your dashboard and on any email correspondence from Thriva. Next, identify your registered email address and the full name on your account—these must match exactly in your cancellation letter.
Additionally, check your next billing date and note when your current subscription period ends. This helps you reference specific dates in your letter and ensures you're meeting any notice requirements. Finally, review your payment method on file, whether that's a credit card, debit card, or direct debit. You'll want to confirm this in your letter to ensure they cancel the correct payment arrangement.
Your cancellation letter needs to be clear, concise, and include all relevant information. Keep it professional and straightforward—there's no need for lengthy explanations about why you're cancelling, though you can include a brief reason if you wish.
Start with your full name and address at the top, followed by the date. Then address it to Thriva's customer service department. In the body, state clearly that you wish to cancel your subscription, include your account details, and specify the effective date you want the cancellation to take effect. Most importantly, explicitly request written confirmation of your cancellation.
Request that they stop all future charges to your payment method and confirm that no further test kits will be dispatched. If you have any outstanding tests or credits on your account, mention these and ask how they'll be handled. Keep the entire letter to one page if possible—conciseness reduces the chance of confusion.
This step is absolutely critical and where many people try to cut corners, which I strongly advise against. Visit your local Post Office and send your cancellation letter via Royal Mail Recorded Signed For service. This typically costs around £2-3 and provides proof of postage plus confirmation when the letter is delivered.
The Recorded Delivery service gives you a unique tracking reference number. Keep your proof of postage receipt in a safe place—photograph it with your phone as a backup. You can track your letter's progress online using the Royal Mail tracking system, and you'll know exactly when Thriva receives it.
Never send cancellation letters via standard post, even if you're trying to save money. The few pounds you save aren't worth the risk of your letter going missing and then facing another quarterly charge of £30-130. I've seen countless cases where people claimed they sent cancellation letters, but without proof of postage, they had no recourse when companies continued charging them.
Send your cancellation letter to Thriva's registered office address. Based on current information, their official correspondence address is:
Write this address clearly on your envelope, and make sure your return address is clearly visible in case there are any delivery issues. Double-check you've written the postcode correctly—WC1N 3AX—as this is essential for Royal Mail to deliver your letter to the right location in London.
If you want to streamline this entire process, consider using Postclic, a service that handles postal correspondence digitally. Instead of writing a physical letter, visiting the Post Office, and managing paper receipts, you can create your cancellation letter online, and Postclic prints, envelopes, and sends it via tracked delivery on your behalf.
The benefits are substantial for busy people. First, you save time—no trip to the Post Office required. Second, you maintain digital proof of everything, including when the letter was sent and when it was delivered. Third, Postclic ensures your letter is professionally formatted and includes all necessary elements, reducing the risk of your cancellation being rejected due to missing information.
Additionally, Postclic keeps a digital archive of your correspondence, which is invaluable if you need to reference your cancellation months later. The service typically costs less than £5, which includes the tracked postage, and many people find the convenience worth the small fee compared to the hassle of traditional postal methods.
Once Royal Mail confirms delivery of your letter, give Thriva 5-7 working days to process your cancellation. They should send you written confirmation via email or post. If you don't receive confirmation within this timeframe, you need to follow up.
Check your Thriva account online to see if your subscription status has changed to "cancelled" or if your next billing date has been removed. This is often updated before you receive formal confirmation. If nothing has changed after a week, send a follow-up letter via Recorded Delivery again, referencing your original cancellation letter and its delivery date.
Most importantly, monitor your bank account or credit card statements around your next scheduled billing date. Even if you've received cancellation confirmation, mistakes happen. If you're charged after cancelling, you have strong grounds for a refund since you have proof of your cancellation notice and delivery.
Understanding what happens with your final payment prevents nasty surprises. If you cancel after your current test kit has been dispatched but before you've been billed for the next cycle, you typically won't owe anything further. However, if you cancel mid-cycle after being charged, Thriva generally won't provide a refund for that period.
Some people ask whether they should cancel their direct debit or payment method immediately after sending their cancellation letter. I advise against this. Wait until you receive cancellation confirmation and verify that your account status shows as cancelled. If you cancel your payment method before Thriva processes your cancellation, they might claim you still have an active subscription with outstanding payments, which creates complications.
Over the years, I've gathered insights from hundreds of people who've cancelled their Thriva subscriptions. These practical tips come from real experiences and can help you avoid common pitfalls.
Former members consistently emphasise the importance of timing. The sweet spot for cancelling is approximately 7-10 days before your next renewal date. This gives enough time for postal delivery, processing, and any unexpected delays, whilst ensuring you're well within any notice period requirements.
One member shared that she sent her cancellation letter just 3 days before renewal, thinking it would arrive in time. Although Royal Mail delivered it the next day, Thriva's processing time meant her cancellation wasn't logged before the automatic renewal triggered. She was charged for another quarter and had to dispute the charge, which took weeks to resolve. Learn from her mistake—give yourself plenty of buffer time.
Multiple former subscribers stressed the importance of documentation. Take screenshots of your account showing your next billing date, subscription details, and any correspondence with Thriva. Photograph your cancellation letter before posting it. Keep your Recorded Delivery receipt and tracking information. Store all confirmation emails.
This might seem excessive, but one former member told me how his documentation saved him £200. Thriva continued charging him for two quarters after he cancelled, claiming they never received his letter. Because he had his Recorded Delivery receipt showing the letter was signed for at their office, along with screenshots of his account, he successfully disputed the charges with his bank and received a full refund.
Knowing common cancellation reasons helps you evaluate whether cancelling is definitely right for you. The most frequent reason I hear is cost—Thriva's quarterly charges add up significantly over a year, and many people find the expense difficult to justify, especially if their health markers remain stable.
Second, some users find the testing frequency doesn't match their needs. Quarterly testing works well for people with specific health concerns they're actively managing, but for general wellness monitoring, many feel annual tests through their GP are sufficient. Third, life circumstances change—people move abroad, their financial situation shifts, or they simply lose interest in tracking their health metrics so regularly.
Additionally, some former members mentioned they achieved their initial health goals and no longer needed regular monitoring. For example, several people told me they used Thriva to track their vitamin D levels whilst supplementing, and once their levels stabilised, continuing the subscription felt unnecessary.
This is why postal cancellation is so valuable. Several former members reported that when they attempted to cancel through customer service channels, they were offered discounts, free months, or plan downgrades to keep them subscribed. Whilst these offers might genuinely suit some people, they complicate the cancellation process if you've already decided to leave.
One former subscriber shared that she called to cancel and was offered 50% off her next three tests. She accepted, thinking it was a good deal, but then found it difficult to cancel again when those discounted tests ended. She wished she'd simply sent a postal cancellation initially and avoided the back-and-forth entirely.
Many people wonder about test kits they've received but haven't used. Former members report that Thriva doesn't typically accept returns of dispatched kits, even if unopened. The kits have expiry dates and specific storage requirements, making returns impractical from their perspective.
Some former subscribers kept their unused kits for future use, though you should check the expiry date printed on the packaging. Others donated them to family members who wanted to try the service. However, keep in mind that the laboratory analysis is tied to your specific account, so transferring kits to others isn't straightforward and may not be supported by Thriva's system.
Before cancelling entirely, consider whether pausing your subscription might better suit your needs. Some former members wished they'd known about pause options before cancelling completely. If your reason for cancelling is temporary—perhaps financial pressure for a few months or you're travelling—pausing might be worth exploring.
However, if you're certain you want to cancel, don't let the possibility of pausing delay your decision. I've seen people postpone cancellation thinking they might want to pause instead, then miss their cancellation deadline and get charged for another quarter they didn't want.
Many former Thriva members mentioned they were simultaneously managing multiple subscriptions—streaming services, meal kits, fitness apps, and health testing. The cumulative cost and mental load of tracking all these renewals became overwhelming. This "subscription fatigue" is increasingly common, and health testing subscriptions are often among the first people cancel because the benefit feels less immediate than entertainment or food services.
If subscription fatigue is your reason for cancelling, former members recommend conducting a complete audit of all your recurring payments. You might discover you're spending far more monthly than you realised, and cancelling Thriva could be part of a broader financial simplification. Several people told me that cancelling Thriva prompted them to cancel three or four other subscriptions they'd forgotten about, saving hundreds of pounds annually.
The most valuable tip from former members is simply this: don't procrastinate. Many people told me they meant to cancel for months but kept putting it off, costing them hundreds of pounds in unwanted renewals. Once you've decided to cancel, act immediately. Gather your information, write your letter, and get it posted within 24-48 hours of making your decision.
Additionally, former subscribers emphasise trusting your decision. Some felt guilty about cancelling, worried they were neglecting their health or making a mistake. Remember that you can always restart a subscription if your circumstances change. Thriva will happily welcome you back if you decide you want to resume testing in future. There's no penalty for cancelling and no obligation to continue a service that no longer serves your needs.
Taking control of your subscriptions is part of managing your financial health, which is just as important as monitoring your physical health. By following this guide and learning from others' experiences, you can cancel your Thriva subscription smoothly, avoid unexpected charges, and move forward with confidence that you've handled everything correctly.