| Document and Entity Information | Jan. 23, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 23, 2020 |
| Current Fiscal Year End Date | --12-31 |
| Entity Registrant Name | WELLCARE HEALTH PLANS, INC. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-32209 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 47-0937650 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 8735 Henderson Road |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | Renaissance One |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Tampa |
| Entity Address, State or Province | FL |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 33634 |
| City Area Code | 813 |
| Local Phone Number | 290-6200 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001279363 |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock, par value $0.01 |
| Trading Symbol | WCG |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
