Ending your Men's Health membership made easy

About Men's Health

Men's Health is one of the UK's leading lifestyle magazines specifically tailored for men who want to improve their physical fitness, mental wellbeing, nutrition, and overall quality of life. Published by Hearst UK, the magazine has been a staple on British newsstands since its launch in 1994, building a loyal readership of health-conscious men across the country.

The publication covers an impressive range of topics including workout routines, nutrition advice, weight loss strategies, muscle-building techniques, mental health guidance, style tips, grooming recommendations, and relationship advice. Each issue features expert-backed articles written by fitness professionals, nutritionists, doctors, and lifestyle experts who provide practical, actionable advice that readers can implement immediately.

Men's Health UK has evolved significantly over the years, expanding beyond its print roots to offer digital subscriptions, online content, and a comprehensive website featuring daily updates. The magazine regularly features celebrity interviews, transformation stories from real readers, gear reviews, and seasonal fitness challenges that keep the content fresh and engaging.

What sets Men's Health apart from other lifestyle publications is its evidence-based approach to health and fitness. Rather than promoting fad diets or unrealistic workout regimes, the magazine focuses on sustainable lifestyle changes backed by scientific research. This practical approach has helped it maintain credibility and relevance in an increasingly crowded health and fitness media landscape.

The publication also hosts various events throughout the year, including fitness challenges and reader meetups, creating a community around the brand that extends beyond the printed page. Despite this strong brand presence, many subscribers eventually find they need to cancel their subscriptions for various reasons, which we'll explore in detail throughout this guide.

Plans, features and pricing

Men's Health UK offers several subscription options designed to suit different reading preferences and budgets. Understanding these plans is essential before you proceed with cancellation, as different subscription types may have varying terms and notice periods.

Print subscription options

The traditional print subscription remains popular among readers who prefer the tactile experience of flipping through a physical magazine. Print subscribers receive their copy delivered directly to their home address each month, typically arriving a few days before the magazine hits newsstands. This gives subscribers early access to content and the convenience of home delivery.

Keep in mind that promotional pricing frequently changes, and you may have subscribed during a special offer period. Always check your original subscription confirmation email to verify exactly what you signed up for, as this will be crucial when calculating any refunds you might be entitled to upon cancellation.

Digital subscription features

Digital subscriptions provide access to the magazine through tablets, smartphones, and computers via the Men's Health app or digital reader. Digital subscribers can access current issues plus a back catalogue of previous editions, making it convenient for research or revisiting favourite articles. Some digital plans also include access to exclusive online content and video workouts.

Digital-only subscriptions typically cost less than print versions, usually around £2.99 per month for a rolling subscription or approximately £30 for an annual plan. These subscriptions often come with additional perks such as early access to online articles and members-only fitness plans.

Print plus digital bundles

Many subscribers opt for combination packages that include both print delivery and digital access. These bundles offer the best value for dedicated readers who want flexibility in how they consume content. Bundle pricing varies but typically represents a saving compared to purchasing print and digital subscriptions separately.

Most importantly, understanding which plan you have is essential because cancellation procedures and notice periods may differ. Your subscription type will be clearly stated on your payment receipts and in your original welcome email from Men's Health.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

Before you begin the cancellation process, it's absolutely critical that you understand Men's Health UK's terms of service and cancellation policy. This knowledge will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure you're not charged unexpectedly after you've requested cancellation.

Legal requirements in the UK

Under UK consumer protection law, specifically the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, you have certain rights when it comes to cancelling subscriptions. If you purchased your Men's Health subscription online, by phone, or through mail order, you typically have a 14-day cooling-off period from the date you received your first issue or confirmation email.

During this cooling-off period, you can cancel for any reason and receive a full refund. However, once this period expires, the publisher's own cancellation terms apply. This is why it's essential to act quickly if you've recently subscribed and have changed your mind.

Notice periods and timing

Men's Health UK typically requires advance notice for cancellations, usually between 28 to 30 days before your next billing date or issue dispatch. This notice period exists because magazines operate on a publishing schedule, and issues are prepared and dispatched well in advance of their cover date.

Here's what you need to know about timing: if you're on a monthly rolling subscription and you cancel on the 15th of January, your cancellation will likely take effect from mid-February, meaning you'll receive and be charged for one more issue. Many subscribers make the mistake of assuming cancellation is immediate, then dispute charges that are actually legitimate according to the terms they agreed to.

Refund policies for different subscription types

The refund policy varies significantly depending on your subscription type. Monthly rolling subscriptions typically don't offer refunds for the current billing period once an issue has been dispatched. You'll simply stop being charged after the notice period expires.

For fixed-term subscriptions (six-month or annual plans), refunds are generally calculated on a pro-rata basis for undelivered issues, minus any discount you received for subscribing to a longer term. For example, if you paid £45 for an annual subscription (saving £15 compared to monthly pricing) but cancel after six issues, you won't receive £22.50 back. Instead, the refund will be calculated based on the full monthly rate of £4.99 per issue, minus what you've already received.

Additionally, if you subscribed through a third-party platform or received your subscription as a gift, different terms may apply. Third-party subscriptions often need to be cancelled directly with that provider rather than with Men's Health.

Automatic renewal clauses

Most Men's Health subscriptions include automatic renewal clauses, meaning your subscription will continue indefinitely unless you actively cancel it. This is standard practice in the publishing industry, but it catches many subscribers off guard. The publisher is required to notify you before renewal, typically 30 days in advance, but these notifications often go to spam folders or are overlooked.

Keep in mind that automatic renewals often occur at the full standard rate, even if you initially subscribed at a promotional price. This price increase is another common reason subscribers decide to cancel. Always set a calendar reminder for a few weeks before your renewal date if you're considering cancellation.

Cancelling by post - the complete guide

Postal cancellation is the most reliable method for terminating your Men's Health subscription, and I strongly recommend it over other approaches. Throughout my years processing subscription cancellations, I've seen countless cases where phone cancellations weren't properly recorded or online forms mysteriously failed to process. Postal cancellation, particularly when sent via Recorded Delivery, provides indisputable proof that you've requested cancellation and when the publisher received your request.

Why postal cancellation is most reliable

First, let me explain why the postal method offers superior protection. When you cancel by post using Recorded Delivery, you receive a tracking number and proof of delivery. This creates an audit trail that's legally recognised and can't be disputed. If the publisher claims they never received your cancellation request, you can produce your proof of delivery showing exactly when it arrived.

Phone cancellations depend entirely on the customer service representative correctly processing your request and making accurate notes on your account. I've seen numerous cases where subscribers were assured their cancellation was processed, only to be charged again the following month because the representative made an error or the system didn't update properly. Without a recording of the call, you have no proof of what was said or agreed.

Additionally, postal cancellation gives you complete control over the exact wording of your cancellation request. You can clearly state your subscriber details, specify your cancellation date, request written confirmation, and keep a copy for your records. This level of documentation is simply not possible with verbal cancellations.

Essential information to include in your letter

Your cancellation letter needs to contain specific information to ensure it's processed correctly and without delay. Missing even one crucial detail can result in your request being rejected or delayed, potentially leading to additional unwanted charges.

Start with your full name exactly as it appears on your subscription. If your subscription is under a slightly different name variation, include both versions. Next, include your complete delivery address where the magazine is currently being sent. This is essential because publishers often have multiple subscribers with similar names, and the address is the primary identifier.

Include your subscriber number or account number if you have it. This information appears on the address label of your magazine and on any correspondence you've received from Men's Health. If you cannot locate this number, don't panic, but do include as much alternative identifying information as possible, such as the email address associated with your subscription and your payment method (last four digits of the card used).

Clearly state that you wish to cancel your subscription and specify when you want the cancellation to take effect. Use precise language such as "I wish to cancel my Men's Health subscription with immediate effect" or "I wish to cancel my subscription at the end of the current paid period." Being specific prevents any confusion about your intentions.

Request written confirmation of your cancellation. This is crucial. State clearly: "Please send written confirmation of this cancellation to the address above within 14 days." This creates an obligation for the publisher to respond and gives you further documentation if problems arise later.

Most importantly, include the date at the top of your letter and sign it at the bottom. An unsigned cancellation letter can be rejected as invalid, and the date proves when you submitted your request, which is essential for calculating notice periods.

The correct postal address for cancellations

One of the most common mistakes I see is subscribers sending cancellation letters to the wrong address. Men's Health UK uses specific addresses for subscription management, which differ from their editorial offices. Sending your cancellation to the wrong department can delay processing by weeks.

Send your cancellation letter to the Men's Health UK subscription department at this address:

• Men's Health Subscriptions
• Hearst UK
• Tower House
• Lathkill Street
• Market Harborough
• Leicestershire
• LE16 9EF

Double-check this address carefully before posting your letter. A single digit wrong in the postcode could send your letter to the wrong location entirely. Write the address clearly and legibly, or better yet, print a label to ensure there's no confusion.

Using Recorded Delivery for proof

Never send a cancellation letter by standard post. The small additional cost of Recorded Delivery (currently around £1.85 for Recorded Signed For) is absolutely worth the peace of mind and legal protection it provides. When you send your letter via Recorded Delivery, you receive a unique tracking reference that allows you to confirm exactly when your letter was delivered and who signed for it.

Take your letter to a Post Office counter and specifically request Recorded Signed For service. The clerk will provide you with a receipt showing your tracking number. Keep this receipt in a safe place along with a copy of your cancellation letter. Take a photograph of both documents and store them digitally as backup.

Track your letter online using the Royal Mail tracking service. Once it shows as delivered, make a note of the delivery date. This is the date from which your notice period begins, so you can calculate exactly when your subscription should end and when charges should cease.

Timeline and what to expect

Understanding the timeline for postal cancellation helps you plan appropriately and know when to follow up if things don't proceed as expected. Here's the typical sequence of events:

First, allow 1-2 working days for delivery. Recorded Delivery is typically delivered the next working day, but allow an extra day to be safe. Check your tracking information to confirm delivery.

Next, the publisher should send written confirmation within 7-14 days of receiving your letter. This confirmation should state your cancellation has been processed and specify when your subscription will end. If you don't receive this confirmation within 14 days, follow up immediately.

Additionally, your notice period begins from the date the publisher receives your letter, not the date you posted it. This is why proof of delivery is so important. If you posted your letter on January 1st but it wasn't delivered until January 3rd, your notice period starts on January 3rd.

Keep in mind that you may receive one or two more issues after sending your cancellation, depending on where you are in your billing cycle and the notice period required. This is normal and not a sign that your cancellation hasn't been processed. However, if you continue to receive issues beyond the calculated end date, you need to follow up urgently.

Following up on your cancellation

If you haven't received written confirmation within 14 days of your letter being delivered, it's time to follow up. Send a second letter, again via Recorded Delivery, referencing your original cancellation request. Include a copy of your proof of delivery from the first letter and state that you're following up on your cancellation request dated [original date].

Check your bank statements or credit card bills carefully for the two months following your expected cancellation date. If you're charged after your subscription should have ended, you have grounds to dispute the charge. Contact your bank immediately to explain that you've cancelled the subscription with proper notice and provide your proof of delivery and any written confirmation you received.

Most importantly, don't assume silence means your cancellation has been processed. The confirmation letter is a crucial part of the process, and its absence suggests something may have gone wrong. Always follow up if you don't receive it.

How Postclic simplifies the process

While sending a cancellation letter yourself is straightforward, services like Postclic can make the process even more efficient and reliable. Postclic allows you to create, send, and track cancellation letters entirely online, saving you a trip to the Post Office and ensuring your letter is professionally formatted.

The service provides digital proof of postage and delivery, which is stored securely online and can be accessed whenever you need it. This eliminates the risk of losing your proof of delivery receipt. Additionally, Postclic ensures your letter is formatted correctly with all the necessary information, reducing the risk of rejection due to missing details.

For people with busy schedules or limited mobility, Postclic offers significant time savings. Instead of printing a letter, finding an envelope, going to the Post Office during working hours, and queuing for Recorded Delivery service, you can complete the entire process from your computer or smartphone in just a few minutes.

The tracked delivery feature provides the same legal protection as traditional Recorded Delivery, with the added convenience of digital notifications when your letter is delivered. This gives you immediate confirmation that your cancellation request has reached the right destination.

Tips from former members

Over the years, I've spoken with hundreds of former Men's Health subscribers who've successfully cancelled their subscriptions. Their experiences offer valuable insights that can help you avoid common problems and ensure a smooth cancellation process.

Common reasons people cancel

Understanding why others cancel can help you feel confident in your decision and might inform how you approach the cancellation. The most frequently cited reason is content repetition. Many subscribers find that after a year or two, articles begin to feel formulaic, with similar workout routines and nutrition advice recycled with minor variations. This is particularly true for experienced fitness enthusiasts who've exhausted the magazine's beginner and intermediate content.

Financial considerations are another major factor. Subscribers often sign up during promotional periods at discounted rates, then face sticker shock when the subscription renews at full price. When budgets tighten, magazine subscriptions are often among the first discretionary expenses to be cut, especially when similar content is available free online.

Lifestyle changes also drive cancellations. Subscribers who've achieved their fitness goals may feel they've outgrown the magazine's content. Others find their interests shift to more specialised areas like powerlifting, endurance sports, or specific dietary approaches that Men's Health doesn't cover in sufficient depth. Some subscribers simply find they don't have time to read the magazine each month, leading to a stack of unread issues and guilt about wasted money.

Digital preference is increasingly common. Many subscribers discover they prefer consuming fitness content through YouTube videos, podcasts, or social media, finding these formats more engaging and immediately actionable than written articles. The shift to digital content consumption has affected all print magazines, and Men's Health is no exception.

Mistakes to avoid during cancellation

First and most importantly, never assume that stopping your direct debit will cancel your subscription. This is the single biggest mistake subscribers make. Stopping payment without properly cancelling creates a debt with the publisher, and you may be pursued by debt collection agencies for unpaid subscription fees. Always cancel through proper channels before stopping any payments.

Don't wait until the last minute to cancel if you know you don't want to renew. Remember that notice period of 28-30 days. If you wait until two days before your renewal date to send your cancellation letter, you'll be charged for another subscription period. Set a reminder in your calendar for at least six weeks before your renewal date to give yourself plenty of time.

Avoid sending cancellation emails unless the publisher specifically offers email cancellation as an option. Even if you find an email address, emails can easily be overlooked, filtered to spam, or claimed to have never been received. Postal cancellation provides far better protection.

Don't throw away your proof of delivery or confirmation letter. Keep these documents for at least six months after your subscription ends. I've seen cases where subscribers were incorrectly charged months after cancellation, and having this documentation was essential to resolving the dispute quickly.

Never accept verbal confirmation alone. If you do speak with customer service for any reason, always follow up with a written cancellation letter. Verbal assurances mean nothing if there's no record in the system, and you'll have no proof if problems arise later.

What to do if you're charged after cancellation

If you're charged after your subscription should have ended, act immediately. First, gather all your documentation: your cancellation letter, proof of delivery, any written confirmation from the publisher, and your bank statements showing the incorrect charge.

Contact Men's Health subscription services in writing, again using Recorded Delivery. Reference your original cancellation, provide your proof of delivery, and clearly state that you've been incorrectly charged. Request an immediate refund and confirmation that no further charges will be applied. Give them 14 days to respond and resolve the issue.

Simultaneously, contact your bank or credit card provider to dispute the charge. Explain that you cancelled the subscription with proper notice and provide your evidence. Under UK law, if you've properly cancelled a continuous payment authority, any subsequent charges can be reversed. Your bank should refund the money while they investigate.

Keep detailed records of all communication, including dates, times, and the names of anyone you speak with. If the issue isn't resolved within a reasonable timeframe, you can escalate to the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO) or seek advice from Citizens Advice.

Alternatives to consider before cancelling

Before you definitively cancel, consider whether any alternatives might better suit your needs. Some subscribers don't realise they can pause their subscription temporarily rather than cancelling outright. If you're going through a busy period or simply need a break, pausing for a few months might be preferable to cancelling and potentially resubscribing later.

Switching from print to digital-only subscription significantly reduces costs while maintaining access to content. If price is your primary concern but you still value the magazine's content, this option is worth exploring. Digital subscriptions typically cost 40-50% less than print versions.

Check whether Men's Health offers any retention discounts. Sometimes, if you contact them to cancel, they may offer a reduced rate to keep you as a subscriber. However, never rely on this possibility, and always follow through with proper cancellation if you've genuinely decided to end your subscription.

Consider whether your local library carries Men's Health. Many public libraries stock current issues of popular magazines, allowing you to read them for free without the commitment of a subscription. This is an excellent option if you only occasionally find articles of interest.

Final advice from experienced cancellers

The most valuable piece of advice from former subscribers is simply this: start the cancellation process early and document everything. Rushing the process or relying on informal methods creates unnecessary stress and potential problems. Taking the time to cancel properly through recorded post gives you peace of mind and legal protection.

Keep copies of everything. In today's digital age, it's easy to photograph documents with your smartphone and store them in cloud storage. This takes seconds but can save hours of frustration if disputes arise later. Create a folder specifically for subscription cancellations and keep all related documents together.

Trust the process but verify the outcome. While most cancellations proceed smoothly, don't simply assume everything has been handled correctly. Check your bank statements, watch for confirmation letters, and follow up if anything seems amiss. Being proactive prevents small issues from becoming major problems.

Finally, remember that cancelling a magazine subscription is a normal, routine transaction. You're exercising your consumer rights, and there's no need to feel guilty or provide elaborate explanations. A simple, clear cancellation letter sent via Recorded Delivery is all that's required. The publishers process thousands of cancellations each year, and it's a standard part of their business operations.