<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from PacifiCare
Health Systems, Inc.'s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 1998 and
December 31, 1997 and related consolidated statements of operations for the
years ended December 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997 and is qualified in its
entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>                     <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998             DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1998             JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1998             DEC-31-1997
<CASH>                                         724,636                 680,674
<SECURITIES>                                   875,553                 864,708
<RECEIVABLES>                                  284,484                 319,243
<ALLOWANCES>                                     8,529                  13,598
<INVENTORY>                                          0                       0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             2,033,575               2,090,146
<PP&E>                                         288,987                 365,382
<DEPRECIATION>                                 110,467                 129,439
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               4,630,944               4,963,046
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                        1,619,416               1,728,664
<BONDS>                                              0                       0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0                       0
<PREFERRED>                                          0                     105
<COMMON>                                           464                     420
<OTHER-SE>                                   2,237,632               2,061,662
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 4,630,944               4,963,046
<SALES>                                              0                       0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             9,521,482               8,982,680
<CGS>                                                0                       0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                8,002,260               7,658,879
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                             1,175,546               1,274,635
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 1,485                   5,171
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              60,923                  64,536
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                385,574                  60,124
<INCOME-TAX>                                   183,147                  81,825
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            202,427                (21,701)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0                       0
<CHANGES>                                            0                       0
<NET-INCOME>                                   202,427                (21,701)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     4.50                  (0.75)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     4.40                  (0.75)
        

</TABLE>