EXHIBIT 23.1




               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of PacifiCare Health
Systems, Inc. for the registration of $135,000,000 of convertible subordinated
debentures and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated
January 31, 2002 (except for Note 10, as to which the date is March 12, 2002),
with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of PacifiCare
Health Systems, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year
ended December 31, 2001, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                           ERNST & YOUNG LLP
Irvine, California
January 29, 2003