What you get with a Prevention magazine subscription
Prevention magazine is a monthly health and wellness publication owned by Dotdash Meredith. A subscription delivers the print magazine to your home, typically arriving 4 to 6 weeks after the cover date. Digital access is sometimes included depending on which subscription plan you choose, though digital-only subscriptions are also sold separately.
Each issue contains articles on nutrition, fitness, mental health, disease prevention, and personal wellness. The magazine also includes recipes, workout routines, and product reviews. Subscription pricing and what is included varies by the offer you select and the retailer you purchase through.
You can start a subscription directly through Prevention's website, through third-party magazine retailers like Magazines.com or Amazon, or sometimes through promotional offers bundled with other services. The method you choose affects your price, renewal terms, and how you manage your account.
Key Takeaways
- Prevention magazine subscriptions are sold through multiple retailers, and the same subscription costs different amounts depending on where you buy it.
- Print subscriptions typically arrive 4 to 6 weeks after the cover date, and you should allow extra time for your first issue to arrive.
- Digital access may or may not be included with your print subscription depending on the specific plan you purchase.
- Subscription terms vary from one year to multiple years, and renewal prices are often higher than the introductory rate you paid initially.
- Cancellation policies differ by retailer, so check the terms before you buy if you think you might want to stop your subscription.
Where to buy a Prevention subscription and what the prices look like
Prevention subscriptions are sold directly by the magazine at Prevention.com, through magazine subscription retailers like Magazines.com and MagazinesDirect, and through Amazon. Prices for the same subscription differ significantly across these channels. A one-year print subscription might cost $15 through one retailer and $30 through another, depending on current promotions and the retailer's markup.
Introductory rates are typically lower than renewal rates. If you purchase at an introductory price, your renewal bill after the first year will usually be higher — sometimes double or more. The renewal price varies by retailer and is set by Prevention's publisher, not by the retailer selling you the subscription.
Third-party retailers like Magazines.com and Amazon often have lower entry prices than buying directly from Prevention, but they may have different cancellation policies and customer service processes. If you buy through a retailer, your subscription is managed by that retailer, not by Prevention directly, which can affect how you renew or cancel.
Print versus digital subscriptions and what each includes
Prevention offers print-only subscriptions, digital-only subscriptions, and combined print-plus-digital subscriptions. A print-only subscription gets you the physical magazine by mail. A digital-only subscription gives you access to Prevention's website and mobile app, where you can read current and back issues.
Digital access through a subscription is not the same as free articles on Prevention's website. The subscription unlocks the full archive and ad-free reading on the app. Some print subscriptions automatically include digital access, while others do not — this depends on the specific plan you purchase, so check the product description before you buy.
Digital subscriptions renew automatically and are managed through your Prevention account online. Print subscriptions may be managed through the retailer you bought from, which means you may need to log into a different account to renew or cancel.
How long it takes to receive your first issue and ongoing delivery
The first issue of a new subscription typically arrives 4 to 6 weeks after you place your order. This delay is standard across the magazine industry and happens because the publisher needs time to process new subscriptions and add you to the mailing list. Do not be concerned if your first issue does not arrive within two weeks.
After your first issue arrives, subsequent issues should come monthly, though delivery can vary by 1 to 2 weeks depending on your location and postal service delays. If you do not receive an issue within 8 weeks of the cover date, contact the retailer or Prevention directly to report the missing issue.
If you move, you will need to update your address with the retailer or directly with Prevention, depending on where you bought your subscription. Address changes typically take effect within one billing cycle, so your next issue should arrive at your new address.
Subscription terms, renewal, and how to cancel
Prevention subscriptions are typically sold in one-year, two-year, or three-year terms. Your subscription will renew automatically at the end of the term unless you cancel before the renewal date. The renewal price is set by the publisher and is usually higher than the introductory rate you paid.
To cancel, you must contact the retailer or Prevention before your renewal date. If you bought through Magazines.com or Amazon, you cancel through that retailer's website or customer service. If you bought directly from Prevention, you cancel through your Prevention account online or by calling their customer service number, which appears on your invoice.
Cancellation policies vary by retailer. Some allow cancellations up to 30 days before renewal, while others have different windows. If you cancel after the renewal date has passed, you may be charged for the next term. Check your invoice or account page for the exact renewal date and cancellation important date.
What happens if you have problems with delivery or billing
If you do not receive an issue, contact the retailer or Prevention with your subscription number and the issue date you are missing. They will investigate and either resend the issue or credit your account. Keep your invoices and subscription confirmation emails so you have your subscription number readily available.
If you are charged twice or billed at the wrong amount, contact the retailer or Prevention when ready with your invoice. Billing errors can usually be corrected within one to two billing cycles. If you paid by credit card, you can also dispute the charge with your card issuer if the publisher does not resolve it within 30 days.
If you want to pause your subscription temporarily rather than cancel it, some retailers and Prevention itself may offer a hold option. Ask customer service whether a hold is available for your subscription and how long you can pause before the subscription resumes.
How to manage your subscription online and update your information
If you subscribed directly through Prevention.com, log into your account on their website to view your subscription status, renewal date, and billing information. You can update your email address and password from your account page. Address changes can usually be made online as well, though some retailers require you to call customer service to update your mailing address.
If you subscribed through a third-party retailer, you manage your subscription through that retailer's website. Log into your account on Magazines.com, Amazon, or whichever retailer you used. Your Prevention subscription will appear in your subscriptions list, and you can view renewal dates and make changes from there.
Digital subscriptions are managed through your Prevention account and can be accessed on the Prevention website and mobile app. You will need to create or log into a Prevention account to access digital content, even if you bought your subscription through a retailer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I give a Prevention subscription as a gift?
Yes. Prevention and most retailers that sell subscriptions offer gift subscriptions. You provide the recipient's name and address, and the magazine is sent to them. Gift subscriptions typically come with a gift announcement card. The recipient does not receive a bill — you pay upfront for the full term.
What if I move before my subscription ends?
Update your address with the retailer or Prevention as soon as possible. Log into your account online or call customer service with your new address. The change usually takes effect within one billing cycle, so your next issue should arrive at your new location. Keep your subscription number handy when you contact them.
Can I get a refund if I cancel my subscription?
Refund policies vary by retailer and the terms you agreed to when you bought. Some retailers offer prorated refunds for unused issues, while others do not. Check your retailer's cancellation policy before you buy, or contact customer service to ask about refunds before you cancel.
Is the digital version the same as the print magazine?
The digital version contains the same articles and content as the print magazine, though the layout may differ slightly because it is formatted for screens. Digital access also includes the full archive of back issues, which print subscribers do not receive unless digital is included in their plan.
What is the difference between Prevention magazine and Prevention.com?
Prevention.com is the magazine's free website with articles, recipes, and health information available to anyone without a subscription. A Prevention subscription gives you access to the monthly print magazine and, depending on your plan, ad-free digital reading and the full archive of past issues on the app.