How to cancel BMJ and protect your subscription rights in new zealand
What BMJ is and why you might cancel
BMJ is a globally recognised publisher of medical journals, clinical decision-support tools, and continuing education platforms trusted by healthcare professionals and researchers worldwide. The organisation provides subscription access to The BMJ journal itself, BMJ Learning modules, BMJ Best Practice guidelines, and mobile applications-all designed to keep medical professionals current with evidence-based clinical practice.
You may have purchased your BMJ subscription directly from the company's website, through an app store, or via your workplace or institution. Circumstances change, however. You might be relocating, transitioning to a different role, finding the service no longer fits your workflow, or reviewing your subscription costs. Yafee understands that cancelling a professional subscription should be straightforward, and this guide will show you exactly how to proceed.
BMJ subscription services and entry points
BMJ operates several distinct subscription services, each with its own cancellation pathway. The BMJ journal offers access to peer-reviewed research and clinical articles. BMJ Learning delivers continuing medical education and examination preparation modules. BMJ Best Practice provides evidence-based clinical decision-support tools. Most subscriptions renew automatically unless you actively cancel.
The complexity arises because BMJ distributes subscriptions through multiple channels: directly via its website, through the Apple and Google app stores, and via institutional partners. Each channel operates under different cancellation rules and timelines. Yafee has mapped each pathway below so you can cancel with confidence, regardless of how you purchased.
Your consumer rights when cancelling BMJ in new zealand
New Zealand consumer law provides you with explicit protections when purchasing digital services online, and BMJ acknowledges these rights in its own terms and conditions.
The 14-day change-of-mind right under consumer law
The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 and the Distance Selling Code of Practice protect you when you buy digital services online. You have the right to cancel a digital subscription within 14 days of purchase if you have not yet accessed the product. This is your statutory change-of-mind right, and it applies to all BMJ subscriptions bought online, regardless of the sales channel.
To exercise this right, contact BMJ Customer Service within 14 days and confirm you have not accessed any content. If you meet both conditions-the 14-day window has not expired and you have not accessed any material-BMJ must refund you in full. The 14-day period runs from the date of purchase, not from the date your subscription begins.
Cancellation rights after the 14-day window
After the initial 14-day change-of-mind period, your rights shift. You retain the right to cancel at any time, but refunds for partially-used subscription periods depend on BMJ's specific cancellation policy rather than consumer law. However, BMJ must honour all cancellation deadlines stated in its terms and conditions. For annual subscriptions purchased directly from BMJ's website, you typically must submit your cancellation request at least 14 days before your renewal date to prevent automatic recharging.
Your legal position: If BMJ fails to process your cancellation correctly and charges you after you have submitted a valid cancellation request, you are entitled to dispute the charge. The Commerce Commission of New Zealand is your escalation point if BMJ refuses to refund wrongful charges. Yafee recommends maintaining detailed records of every cancellation request, including screenshots, confirmation emails, dates, and the method you used to submit your request.
How to cancel BMJ direct subscriptions via the website
If you signed up directly on BMJ's website and entered your payment details there, follow these steps to cancel your subscription.
Step 1: locate your account and subscription details
Log in to your BMJ account on the main website using your email address and password. Once logged in, navigate to your account settings or subscription management section. This area typically displays your active subscriptions, renewal dates, and billing information.
- Write down your subscription account number and the email address linked to your account-you will need these when you contact customer service.
- Note the date your next renewal is scheduled, as this affects your cancellation deadline if you wish to avoid the next charge.
Step 2: contact BMJ customer service with your cancellation request
BMJ does not provide a self-service cancellation tool on its website. You must contact the company directly by email, phone, or post. Yafee recommends email as your first method because it creates a written record of your request.
- Email: contact BMJ Customer Service at [email protected] or [email protected] (confirm the correct address on the BMJ website contact page before you send)
- Phone: call the BMJ customer support line; the number is listed on the BMJ contact page
- Post: send a letter to the BMJ head office address listed at the end of this guide
Step 3: compose your cancellation request
In your email or letter, include the following information to ensure BMJ processes your request without delay:
- Your full name and the email address associated with your subscription account
- Your subscription account number (if available)
- A clear statement: "I wish to cancel my BMJ subscription effective immediately" or specify your preferred end date
- The billing email address used for your subscription
- If you hold multiple BMJ subscriptions (for example, BMJ Learning and The BMJ journal), specify which subscription or subscriptions you are cancelling
Step 4: request written confirmation of cancellation
In your message, ask BMJ to confirm your cancellation in writing and specify the date on which your access will end. Request that they also confirm whether a refund is due based on the cancellation date and your subscription start date.
- Keep a copy of your sent email or letter, including the date and time of sending.
- If you have sent your request by email, screenshot the confirmation that it was delivered.
Step 5: allow time for processing and follow up if needed
BMJ typically processes cancellation requests within 5-7 business days. If you do not receive written confirmation within this timeframe, send a follow-up email referencing your original request. Yafee advises checking that your cancellation has been processed by attempting to log in to your account after the specified end date-your access should be disabled.
How to cancel BMJ subscriptions via app stores
If you subscribed to BMJ or BMJ Learning through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, your cancellation must be processed through that app store, not directly with BMJ.
Cancelling via the apple app store
- Open the Apple App Store on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac device
- Tap your user profile icon in the top right corner
- Select "Subscriptions"
- Find the BMJ app subscription in the list and tap it
- Tap "Cancel Subscription" or "Edit Subscription"
- Confirm cancellation when prompted
Apple will confirm the cancellation date via email. Your access typically ends at the conclusion of the current billing period, not immediately. If the subscription was purchased within the last 14 days and you have not accessed the service, you can request a refund through the Apple App Store dispute process.
Cancelling via google play store
- Open the Google Play Store app or visit play.google.com on a web browser
- Tap your user profile icon and select "Payments and subscriptions"
- Select "Subscriptions"
- Find the BMJ app subscription and tap it
- Tap "Cancel subscription"
- Follow the prompts to confirm cancellation
Google will send a confirmation email. Your subscription access ends at the end of the current billing cycle. Like Apple, Google allows refund requests for subscriptions cancelled within 14 days of purchase if you have not accessed the service.
Refunds and credit after cancellation
Whether you receive a refund depends on when you cancel and the terms of your subscription agreement with BMJ.
Refunds within the 14-day change-of-mind window
If you cancel within 14 days of purchase and have not accessed any BMJ content, you are entitled to a full refund under New Zealand consumer law. BMJ must process this refund within 14 days of receiving your cancellation request. The refund should return to your original payment method-the card or account you used to purchase the subscription.
Refunds after the 14-day window
After the 14-day period, refunds for unused portions of your subscription are not automatic. They depend on BMJ's cancellation policy and the type of subscription. Many annual subscriptions are non-refundable once the 14-day window closes, but some allow pro-rata refunds if you cancel more than 14 days before your renewal date. Contact BMJ to ask whether your specific subscription qualifies for a partial refund.
Processing times and credit for app store subscriptions
If you cancelled via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, your refund or credit is processed by that platform, not by BMJ directly. Apple typically processes refunds within 3-5 business days; Google may take up to 7 business days. The credit will appear in your app store account or as a payment method credit.
| Cancellation scenario |
Refund eligibility |
Timeline |
| Within 14 days, no access |
Full refund |
Within 14 days of cancellation request |
| After 14 days, direct website subscription |
Depends on BMJ policy; often non-refundable |
N/A |
| After 14 days, app store subscription |
Check app store refund policy; may allow pro-rata credit |
3-7 business days via app store |
| Wrongfully charged after cancellation |
Full refund plus dispute rights |
Escalate to Commerce Commission if BMJ refuses |
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling BMJ
Cancelling a professional subscription can feel daunting, but knowing what to avoid will protect you from unnecessary charges or loss of access. Below are the traps Yafee has identified for BMJ users in New Zealand.
Assuming your subscription is cancelled because you stopped using it
Inactivity alone does not cancel your subscription. BMJ will continue to charge you automatically on your renewal date unless you explicitly submit a cancellation request. Logging out of the app or uninstalling it does not stop the charges. You must contact BMJ or your app store directly to cancel.
Missing the 14-day cancellation deadline for annual plans
If you purchase an annual subscription directly from BMJ's website, you must cancel at least 14 days before your renewal date to avoid the next charge. If you miss this deadline, you will be charged for the full next year. Set a calendar reminder 20 days before your renewal date so you have time to submit your cancellation request.
Contacting BMJ through the wrong channel
Do not assume a general inquiry email will reach the subscription department. Use the specific subscription cancellation email address or phone number provided on BMJ's contact page. Cancellation requests sent to general support addresses may be delayed or mislaid. Yafee recommends sending your request to [email protected] rather than general support lines.
Failing to request written confirmation
Always ask BMJ to confirm your cancellation in writing, including the cancellation date and whether a refund will be issued. This creates a record you can refer to if you are charged again after cancellation. Without written confirmation, disputing a wrongful charge becomes more difficult.
Not keeping records of your cancellation request
Save your cancellation email, any responses from BMJ, confirmation numbers, and the date you submitted your request. If BMJ charges you after you have cancelled, these records prove you took action. The Commerce Commission will ask for this evidence if you escalate your complaint.
What happens after you cancel
Your access and billing status change on a specific date; understanding this timeline helps you avoid surprises and plan your alternative resources.
When does access end?
If you cancel immediately, BMJ will disable your login access on the date you specified in your cancellation request, or immediately if you requested cancellation with no notice period. If you cancelled a subscription that renews on a future date, your access typically continues until the end of the current billing period, after which it terminates.
Will you be charged again?
Once you submit a valid cancellation request, BMJ should not charge you again on your next renewal date. However, verify this by logging in to your account a few days after your renewal date would have occurred. If a charge appears on your bank or credit card statement after you have cancelled, contact your bank immediately and ask them to reverse the transaction while you dispute it with BMJ and the Commerce Commission.
Can you reactivate your subscription?
Yes. If you change your mind, you can purchase a new BMJ subscription at any time. However, you will not recover any refund you received, and you will start a new subscription term. Your previous account data may or may not be retained depending on BMJ's data retention policy.
Use the following channels to cancel your BMJ subscription. Yafee recommends email as your first choice because it creates a timestamped record.
| Contact method |
Details |
Best for |
| Email |
[email protected] or [email protected] (confirm on BMJ website) |
Cancellations (creates written record) |
| Phone |
See BMJ contact page for regional customer support numbers |
Urgent cancellations or billing questions |
| Post |
BMJ Publishing Group Ltd, BMA House, Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9JR, United Kingdom |
Formal written cancellation notice |
| App Store |
Apple App Store or Google Play Store (manage subscriptions directly) |
App-based subscriptions only |
Escalating a dispute with the commerce commission
If BMJ refuses to process your cancellation or charges you incorrectly, you can lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission of New Zealand. The Commission investigates breaches of the Consumer Guarantees Act and can compel BMJ to refund you. You will need copies of your cancellation request, BMJ's response (or lack of response), and your bank or credit card statement showing the disputed charge.
Summary and next steps
Cancelling your BMJ subscription is a straightforward process once you understand which channel you used to purchase and which deadlines apply. If you subscribed directly on BMJ's website, email [email protected] with your account details and a clear cancellation statement. If you subscribed via an app store, cancel directly through that platform. Always request written confirmation, keep records, and ensure you understand your refund eligibility before you cancel.
New Zealand consumer law protects you with a 14-day change-of-mind right and the right to dispute wrongful charges. If BMJ fails to honour your cancellation, the Commerce Commission will support you. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions by providing clear, step-by-step guidance and legal grounding-and we are here to do the same for you. If you have any questions about your specific subscription or whether you qualify for a refund, contact BMJ directly or refer back to this guide. Your subscription should work for you, not the other way around.