In Nigeria, where 133 million people live in poverty, health insurance is crucial to ensuring that individuals and families can access healthcare services without experiencing financial hardship.
Health insurance is a scheme that protects your health and gives you access to quality healthcare services for free. While you commit to paying monthly or yearly premiums, it covers your medical costs for the contract.
It frequently includes specific care coverage, which means you won’t have to pay for any medical care that falls within the scope of your insurance.
Health insurance lowers out-of-pocket costs for healthcare services, increases access to high-quality medical care and advances the goal of universal health coverage.
Here are some health insurance options available to Nigerians and legal residents.
National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA)
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) is a government-sponsored health insurance programme available to all Nigerian citizens and legal residents.
It covers primary care, emergency services, pregnant women, and children under 18. It is available to both private and public sector workers. Check out this link for more information.
To enrol, you must do the following:
Step 1: Visit the local NHIA office or a licensed HMO to enrol in the NHIA. You can find a list of the available HMOs with their contact information on the NHIA website.
Step 2: Complete the NHIA registration form and attach all required documentation, including a legitimate ID, a passport photo, and evidence of employment or business registration.
Step 3: Pick a healthcare facility or hospital from any NHIA-accredited hospital or healthcare facility.
Step 4: Pay the required premium for your selected plan and coverage length.
Step 5: Get your NHIA ID card and start enjoying healthcare.
Private Health Insurance
Private insurance companies offer insurance policies that pay medical bills. Typically purchased by individuals or businesses, they provide several coverage options, from the most basic to the most comprehensive.
Personal insurance includes Corporate and Voluntary Health Insurance.
- Corporate Health Insurance
This is a type of medical insurance that companies offer to their employees. It covers medical expenses, including consultations, hospitalisations, and surgeries.
Your employer should provide a corporate health insurance plan. Since your company takes care of that, you don’t need to enrol. Contact your human resources department for more information.
- Voluntary Health Insurance
Individuals can purchase this type of health insurance for themselves and their families. It covers medical expenses such as consultations, hospitalisations, and surgeries.
You can get voluntary health insurance by contacting a private insurance company with health insurance plans.
Depending on the insurance provider, the eligibility requirements may change, but generally, enrollees must be employed or self-employed and able to pay the premiums.
Employers and employees can follow these steps to get health insurance:
Step 1: Select a private health insurance provider that meets your healthcare needs and budget.
Step 2: Contact the insurance provider or visit their website to request a quote and review the available plans. They will inform you of their offerings and assist you in selecting the one that best satisfies your requirements and financial constraints.
Step 3: Provide the necessary information to complete the application process.
Step 4: Pay the required premium based on the chosen plan and duration of coverage.
Step 5: Wait for the insurance company to process your application and send you your policy documents and ID card.
Step 6: Enjoy healthcare!
Examples of companies that provide corporate and voluntary health insurance include AXA Mansard Health Insurance, Reliance HMO, Hygeia HMO Limited, Avon Healthcare Limited, and Leadway Health Limited.
Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI)
CBHI is a revolving loan programme that offers microfinance to a community to pay for healthcare.
Aimed at rural communities and low-income individuals, a community or group of people, such as an artist’s cooperative or a farmer’s cooperative, manages such health insurance.
Community members voluntarily pool their risks in the hope of receiving payouts to offset vulnerabilities — in this case, a health vulnerability — and the premiums are modest and variable.
Enrolment is also voluntary and determined by the perceived benefits of the system.
Depending on the specific CBHI programme, different criteria apply, but generally, enrollees must be community members and be able to pay the premiums.
Step 1: To sign up for a CBHI, find out if your community has a health insurance programme. If you’re not sure, contact your local government or community leaders.
Step 2: Submit the required documentation and personal information to register for the CBHI programme.
Step 3: Select a healthcare provider from the list of CBHI-accredited healthcare facilities or hospitals.
Step 4: Pay the required premium based on the plan and time frame of coverage.
Step 5: Obtain your CBHI ID card and begin using the services of your preferred healthcare provider.
Examples of CBHI include Edo Health Insurance Scheme (EdoHIS).
State Health Insurance Schemes
Some states in Nigeria have health insurance schemes. Similar to the CBHI, this may have different eligibility requirements depending on the state and programme.
But, anyone who resides in the state and has the financial means to pay the premiums is eligible to enrol.
Examples of these schemes include Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA), and Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA).
Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP)
This is a health insurance programme for employees and students at public tertiary institutions like universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
It covers essential healthcare services like consultations, lab tests, and medications.
You will be enrolled in the TISHIP programme by default if you are a student or employee of a Nigerian tertiary institution. However, you must submit some personal data to activate your coverage.
Tips to consider before choosing the right health insurance plan
Making the right decision when selecting a health insurance plan can be challenging because there are several things to consider. Here are some tips for choosing the right health insurance plan.
- To help you select a plan that offers the benefits and coverage necessary to meet your healthcare needs, consider your age, medical history, and the medical requirements of your dependents.
- Health insurance plans frequently include a network of healthcare providers, and it is critical to consider this when choosing a plan. Ensure the selected healthcare providers are those you like or those in your neighbourhood.
- Before choosing a health insurance plan, it is critical to review the benefits and coverage that each one provides. The plan that best meets your needs will depend on variables, including deductibles, co-payments, and out-of-pocket maximums.
- Comparing prices of various options is essential before selecting a health insurance plan. Select an affordable one that provides good value for money.
- Be sure to research the health insurance provider’s reputation. Learn more about the company’s claims and customer service practices and check out reviews and ratings from other policyholders.
- Be on the lookout for extra benefits like wellness initiatives, telemedicine, and prescription drug coverage. Saving money and maintaining your health are possible benefits.
- Finally, before enrolling, read the details of the health insurance plan. Ensure you understand the terms and conditions, restrictions, and exclusions to know what is and isn’t covered.