How Much it Cost to Register Health Insurance in Nigeria (2024)
Health insurance has become an essential need for many Nigerians due to the rising cost of healthcare.
With increasing rates of non-communicable and chronic diseases, many individuals and families are finding it difficult to pay out-of-pocket for medical expenses.
This article provides an overview of the major health insurance options available in Nigeria and how much it costs to register in 2024.
AN OVERVIEW OF HEALTH INSURANCE IN NIGERIA
Health insurance in Nigeria refers to programs that provide access to medical care benefits through registration and regular premium payments.
The goal of health insurance is to offset the rising costs of healthcare by pooling risks across large groups of individuals.
The major types of health insurance options in Nigeria include the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for public sector employees, private insurance plans from HMOs and providers like AXA Mansard and Hygeia, community-based health insurance schemes, and state supported health coverage programs for targeted groups like pregnant women and civil servants.
HOW MUCH IT COSTS TO REGISTER HEALTH INSURANCE IN NIGERIA (2024)
The following paragraphs will explain to you how much it costs to register for health insurance as per the insurance provider, program and plan.
NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME (NHIS)
The NHIS is the major health insurance provider in Nigeria established by the National Health Insurance Scheme Act in 1999.
Registration is mandatory for all federal government employees and optional for other individuals, especially those in the informal sector.
Here are the costs to enroll in NHIS in 2024:
Formal Sector Program
- Registration fee: ₦7,000 per family per year
- Premium contribution: 15% of basic salary from employers, 5% from employees
Informal Sector Program
- Registration fee: ₦7,000 per individual per year
- Premiums: Based on tiered structure according to age and number of beneficiaries
HOW TO REGISTER FOR THE NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME
The first step to take is to visit an NHIS office or HMO provider to obtain a registration form.
Fill in details including name, age, residential address, next of kin, and preferred primary healthcare provider.
Attach passport photo, birth certificate/age declaration, marriage certificate (for couples), and proof of identification.
If you’re a formal sector worker, you will need letter from employer and salary pay slips.
Informal sector pay prescribed registration fee and premium based on tier.
The next thing to do is to complete fingerprints and biometrics registration
Then lastly, collect NHIS ID card as evidence of registration.
All done!
PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS
Apart from the NHIS, private health management organizations (HMOs) and insurance companies offer various health plans and packages. The costs vary depending on the service provider, plan type, coverage, and flexibility.
Below are sample rates for family coverage plans from top providers in 2024:
- AXA Mansard Health Limited: ₦150,000 – ₦500,000 annually
- Hygeia HMO: ₦100,000 – ₦350,000 annually
- Leadway Health: ₦200,000 – ₦600,000 annually
- Avon Health Care Limited: ₦250,000 – ₦750,000 annually
The flexibility to pay monthly, quarterly or annually gives more options with private plans compared to the rigid structure of NHIS. Those with pre-existing conditions may also get coverage unlike NHIS.
HOW TO REGISTER FOR PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE
The number one thing to do is to contact the chosen insurance provider (e.g. AXA Mansard, Leadway) for registration.
Fill online or paper form with biodata, healthcare needs, preferred coverage.
Select a plan or package based on premiums, benefits and affordability.
Pay registration fee and first premium installment as applicable.
Provide KYC documents including passport photo, utility bills, marriage/birth certificates
Complete underwriting process if pre-existing conditions are disclosed
Last but not least, activate policy and receive insurance membership ID for accessing services
STATE-SUPPORTED HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEMES
Some state governments in Nigeria have introduced their own health insurance packages covering major illnesses, accidents, cancer care, child vaccination and more. They target specific groups like civil servants, children, rural women and the elderly.
Here are the registration/enrollment costs for some state schemes:
- Kwara State Health Insurance: ₦8,000 per family per year
- Lagos State Health Scheme: Free for targeted beneficiaries
- Ondo State Mother & Child Hospital: Free for pregnant women and children under age 5
- Delta State: Free for serving civil servants and pensioners
While costs are low, the facilities and care may be limited compared to private services. Accessing centers in local government areas can also be difficult for rural residents.
COMMUNITY-BASED HEALTH INSURANCE (CBHI)
CBHI schemes are locally organized and managed to provide risk protection for mostly rural groups or self-employed individuals. Premiums are based on collective pooling of funds and payouts when members utilize services.
Registration fees for CBHIS range from ₦200 – ₦3,000 per person annually. Examples include Hygeia Community Health Plan and Putting Community at the Center program by PharmAccess Foundation.
HOW TO REGISTER FOR COMMUNITY-BASED HEALTH INSURANCE
The CBHI schemes are the most inexpensive health insurance providers in Nigeria. If you want to register for these programs, then follow the instructions stated below:
First you have to join a registered CBHI scheme serving your locality or professional group. It might be in your village, local government area, or workplace.
The next step to take is to pay the prescribed one-time registration fee to join insurance pool.
The next thing is to elect management committee leaders from amongst members.
Then, contribute monthly or annual premiums as fixed by cooperative
You will then receive membership ID card and start accessing designated provider services.
That’s it!
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHILE CHOOSING AN HEALTH INSURANCE PROVIDER AND COSTS
When deciding on a health insurance option in Nigeria, key things to consider include:
- Scope of coverage: outpatient, inpatient, dental, maternity, international
- Flexibility of plans: individual or family, changeable premiums
- Provider options: choice of accredited hospitals, clinics, pharmacies
- Accessibility: ease of registrations, reimbursements, coordinating care
- Affordability: premium costs, co-payments, sub-limits, exclusions
So while public schemes like NHIS offer relatively cheaper rates, evaluating benefits versus costs is advisable when purchasing private health plans or community-based options.
CONCLUSION
The cost of enrolling in health insurance varies widely across programs in Nigeria ranging from ₦7,000 per year for government plans to between ₦100,000 to ₦750,000 annually for family coverage under private providers.
With rising healthcare costs, more Nigerians are opting to reduce out-of-pocket spending on medical bills by registering for affordable and sustainable health insurance packages.
We specially advise you to compare options in terms of value for money. This is highly recommended to save you money.
