Getting health insurance in Nigeria is fairly straightforward once you know the options. Here’s a clear guide to help you: 1. Choose the type of health insurance In Nigeria, there are two main routes: A. National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Formerly NHIS (National Health Insurance Scheme) GoveRead more
Getting health insurance in Nigeria is fairly straightforward once you know the options. Here’s a clear guide to help you:
1. Choose the type of health insurance
In Nigeria, there are two main routes:
A. National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA)
Formerly NHIS (National Health Insurance Scheme)
Government-backed and usually cheaper
Covers basic healthcare services (consultation, drugs, maternity, etc.)
Common plans:
Formal sector plan (for salaried workers)
Informal sector plan (for self-employed, traders, students)
👉 Best if you want affordable, basic coverage
B. Private Health Insurance (HMOs)
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)
Popular providers include:
Hygeia HMO
AXA Mansard Health
Avon HMO
Reliance HMO
Leadway Health
They offer:
Individual plans
Family plans
Corporate plans
👉 Best if you want better hospitals, faster service, wider coverage
2. Pick a plan that fits your needs
Compare plans based on:
Budget (monthly or yearly premium)
Hospitals available in your area
Coverage (e.g., surgery, maternity, dental, eye care)
Waiting periods for certain treatments
3. Register or apply
For NHIA:
Visit an NHIA office or accredited agent
Or register through a participating HMO
Provide:
ID (NIN, voter’s card, etc.)
Passport photo
Basic personal details
For Private HMOs:
Go to their website or office
Fill out an online form
Choose a plan and pay
You’ll get:
A hospital list
Your enrollee ID/card
4. Select a hospital
You’ll choose a primary healthcare provider (PHP)
This is where you go first for treatment
Referrals are given for specialists if needed
5. Start using your insurance
After registration (sometimes 1–4 weeks activation)
Visit your chosen hospital with your ID
Most costs are covered; you may pay small co-payments
Typical costs (rough idea)
NHIA informal plans: ₦10,000 – ₦30,000/year
Private HMOs:
Basic: ₦20,000 – ₦60,000/year
Standard: ₦70,000 – ₦150,000/year
Premium: ₦200,000+
Quick tips
Always confirm hospitals near you are covered
Read what is not included (e.g., major surgeries, chronic illness limits)
Ask about emergency care and drug coverage
Family plans are usually cheaper per person
Basically before we proceed, let's look at what "HEALTH INSURANCE" actually means. It is you paying small - small money ahead of time so that when sickness or nay emergency health situation comes up, you don have to panic or worry about paying plenty money at once. Here's how you can get a HEALTH INRead more
Basically before we proceed, let’s look at what “HEALTH INSURANCE” actually means. It is you paying small – small money ahead of time so that when sickness or nay emergency health situation comes up, you don have to panic or worry about paying plenty money at once.
Here’s how you can get a HEALTH INSURANCE in Nigeria right now. Let me explain it, because getting health insurance in Nigeria is actually very simple.
Think of it like joining a HEALTH PLAN.
First, you have to choose the type of health insurance you want -either a Government health insurance or a Private Health insurance. If you want the government option, you can check the NHIA (Nigeria Health Insurance Authority) or your State’s health insurance scheme and ask how to register.
If you want to go for a private one, you choose HMO(Health maintenance organisation) and ask them about their different plans. They’ll tell you how much you need to pay. It maybe monthly or yearly, what each specific plans covers.
But before you pay, don’t just looks at the price, ask them; which hospitals do they partner with? What treatments and drugs are covered? What things aren’t covered? How much will I pay myself when I get to the hospital? Can I use it immediately after registering or I have to wait? Can I add my children or wife later?.
After you choose a plan, they usually collect your details and register you. Once your registration and payment is confirmed, they give you the information and identification you need to access the healthcare under the plan. Then when you’re sick, instead of just going to any hospital and pay everything yourself, you will normally go to hospitals under that they work with or work with them. You show them your insurance details and the hospital check what is covered based on the plan you’re on
Getting health insurance in Nigeria is fairly straightforward once you know the options. Here’s a clear guide to help you: 1. Choose the type of health insurance In Nigeria, there are two main routes: A. National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Formerly NHIS (National Health Insurance Scheme) GoveRead more
Getting health insurance in Nigeria is fairly straightforward once you know the options. Here’s a clear guide to help you:
See less1. Choose the type of health insurance
In Nigeria, there are two main routes:
A. National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA)
Formerly NHIS (National Health Insurance Scheme)
Government-backed and usually cheaper
Covers basic healthcare services (consultation, drugs, maternity, etc.)
Common plans:
Formal sector plan (for salaried workers)
Informal sector plan (for self-employed, traders, students)
👉 Best if you want affordable, basic coverage
B. Private Health Insurance (HMOs)
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)
Popular providers include:
Hygeia HMO
AXA Mansard Health
Avon HMO
Reliance HMO
Leadway Health
They offer:
Individual plans
Family plans
Corporate plans
👉 Best if you want better hospitals, faster service, wider coverage
2. Pick a plan that fits your needs
Compare plans based on:
Budget (monthly or yearly premium)
Hospitals available in your area
Coverage (e.g., surgery, maternity, dental, eye care)
Waiting periods for certain treatments
3. Register or apply
For NHIA:
Visit an NHIA office or accredited agent
Or register through a participating HMO
Provide:
ID (NIN, voter’s card, etc.)
Passport photo
Basic personal details
For Private HMOs:
Go to their website or office
Fill out an online form
Choose a plan and pay
You’ll get:
A hospital list
Your enrollee ID/card
4. Select a hospital
You’ll choose a primary healthcare provider (PHP)
This is where you go first for treatment
Referrals are given for specialists if needed
5. Start using your insurance
After registration (sometimes 1–4 weeks activation)
Visit your chosen hospital with your ID
Most costs are covered; you may pay small co-payments
Typical costs (rough idea)
NHIA informal plans: ₦10,000 – ₦30,000/year
Private HMOs:
Basic: ₦20,000 – ₦60,000/year
Standard: ₦70,000 – ₦150,000/year
Premium: ₦200,000+
Quick tips
Always confirm hospitals near you are covered
Read what is not included (e.g., major surgeries, chronic illness limits)
Ask about emergency care and drug coverage
Family plans are usually cheaper per person
Basically before we proceed, let's look at what "HEALTH INSURANCE" actually means. It is you paying small - small money ahead of time so that when sickness or nay emergency health situation comes up, you don have to panic or worry about paying plenty money at once. Here's how you can get a HEALTH INRead more
Basically before we proceed, let’s look at what “HEALTH INSURANCE” actually means. It is you paying small – small money ahead of time so that when sickness or nay emergency health situation comes up, you don have to panic or worry about paying plenty money at once.
Here’s how you can get a HEALTH INSURANCE in Nigeria right now. Let me explain it, because getting health insurance in Nigeria is actually very simple.
Think of it like joining a HEALTH PLAN.
First, you have to choose the type of health insurance you want -either a Government health insurance or a Private Health insurance. If you want the government option, you can check the NHIA (Nigeria Health Insurance Authority) or your State’s health insurance scheme and ask how to register.
If you want to go for a private one, you choose HMO(Health maintenance organisation) and ask them about their different plans. They’ll tell you how much you need to pay. It maybe monthly or yearly, what each specific plans covers.
But before you pay, don’t just looks at the price, ask them; which hospitals do they partner with? What treatments and drugs are covered? What things aren’t covered? How much will I pay myself when I get to the hospital? Can I use it immediately after registering or I have to wait? Can I add my children or wife later?.
After you choose a plan, they usually collect your details and register you. Once your registration and payment is confirmed, they give you the information and identification you need to access the healthcare under the plan. Then when you’re sick, instead of just going to any hospital and pay everything yourself, you will normally go to hospitals under that they work with or work with them. You show them your insurance details and the hospital check what is covered based on the plan you’re on
See less