Exhibit 23.1

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on
Form S-8 pertaining to the Ceres Group, Inc. 1998 Employee Stock Option Plan of
our report dated March 8, 2001, except for Note X, as to which the date is
November 12, 2001, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and
schedules of Ceres Group, Inc. for the year ended December 31, 2000 included in
its Registration Statement (Form S-1 No. 333-59784) filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.

                                                   /s/ Ernst & Young, LLP


Cleveland, Ohio
December 17, 2000