Health is valuable. But medical bills can be high. Private health insurance helps reduce those bills. In Nigeria, many companies (HMOs and insurers) offer private health insurance. But which ones are best? What should students or working people know before choosing? This article explains everything clearly.
What is Private Health Insurance?
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Private Health Insurance means paying a company so they help pay for your medical costs when you get sick or injured.
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In Nigeria, these companies are often called Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) or private insurers offering health plans.
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Premium = the money you pay regularly (monthly, yearly) for the insurance.
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Coverage = what services the insurance pays for (doctor visits, hospital stays, medicines, etc.).
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Network Hospitals / Clinics = the list of hospitals or clinics that the insurance company agrees with to provide services.
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Out‑of‑Pocket Costs = money you pay yourself (co‑payment, deductibles) that insurance does not cover.
How Private Health Insurance Works in Nigeria
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Enrollment / Registration: You choose an HMO or insurer, fill forms, sometimes medical history. You pay the first premium.
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Waiting Period: Sometimes there is time you wait before some services are covered.
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Using Service: When you need care, you go to a hospital in the network. You show your card or insurance proof. The insurer pays part or all of the bill, depending on your plan.
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Premiums & Renewal: You pay premiums on time to keep coverage. Plans renew annually or per set period.
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Claims & Authorisation: For big hospital stays or special treatments, the insurer may need to authorize or approve before services.
Why Private Health Insurance is Important in Nigeria
Main Benefits (Pros)
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Faster Access to Care: Private plans often have shorter waiting times.
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More Choices: You can choose better hospitals, maybe specialists, nicer facilities.
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Financial Protection: Big operations or emergencies can cost a lot; insurance helps reduce burden.
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Preventive Care & Wellness: Some plans include regular check‑ups, vaccines, screenings.
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Better Customer Service: Private companies often have nicer service, apps, hotlines.
Downsides (Cons)
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Cost of Premiums: It can be expensive, especially for better coverage or large hospital networks.
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Limited Coverage or Exclusions: Some plans do not cover pre‑existing illnesses, dental, optical, mental health, etc.
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Out‑of‑Pocket Payments: Even with insurance you might pay co‑payments or part of bill.
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Waiting Periods or restrictions.
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Network Limitations: If your hospital is not in the network, you may have to pay more.
What to Look for When Choosing Private Health Insurance
Key Features to Compare
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Cost (Premium & Hidden Fees) | You need to afford it without sacrificing other essentials. |
| Hospital / Clinic Network Size & Quality | More choices means easier access and flexibility. |
| Covered Services | Inpatient, outpatient, maternity, mental health, optical etc. |
| Waiting Periods & Exclusions | Understand what is not covered or what you must wait for. |
| Claims Process & Customer Service | Fast, simple claims are important so you aren’t stressed. |
| Flexibility | Ability to add family, change plans, switch hospitals, etc. |
| Digital Tools & Support | Apps, telemedicine, home delivery of meds help make care easier. |
Top Private Health Insurance / HMO Companies in Nigeria
Here are some of the best private health insurance / HMOs you might consider. These are based on affordability, coverage, service quality, hospital network.
Hygeia HMO
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One of Nigeria’s oldest, respected HMOs.
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Offers individual, family, and corporate plans.
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Wide network of hospitals (often 1,000+).
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Known for good preventive care services.
AXA Mansard HMO (AXA Mansard Health)
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Part of a global insurance brand. Good reputation for reliability. Flexible plans. Has cheap “easy care” type plans and more premium ones.
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Good hospital network. Good customer service and digital tools.
Reliance HMO
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Known for being technology‑oriented.
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Affordable individual and family plans. For example, some plans start around ₦3,500/month per person.
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Telemedicine, apps, service support.
Well Health Network Limited
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Lower cost plans for individuals.
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Covers outpatient, emergency, sometimes more. Good for people on tight budgets.
Novo Health Africa
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Offers national coverage, decent hospital network.
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Plans are moderately priced; good compromise between cost and service.
Avon HMO (Avon Healthcare Limited)
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Owned by Heirs Holdings, a large organisation.
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Good services, possibly more expensive than basic plans. But strong reputation.
Other HMOs and Insurers to Consider
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Hallmark HMO – has plans from ~N30,000/year (Zircon plan etc.), good hospital network.
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Salus Trust HMO – faith‑based; some people like this due to value + trust.
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Health Partners Limited – one of the most affordable for individuals.
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Clearline HMO – decent services and network.
Comparison: Best HMOs Side‑by‑Side
Here is a comparison table that shows some of the top HMOs, what they charge roughly, what they cover, and how big their hospital networks are.
| HMO / Insurance Company | Approx Annual Cost for Individual / Basic Plan | What Services are Covered (typical) | Number of Network Hospitals Clinics | Best For (Student / Worker / Family) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reliance HMO | ~ ₦42,000+ per year (or ₦3,500‑₦13,500/month in some plans) | Outpatient, emergency, some surgeries, sometimes dental/eye | ~500‑600 hospitals clinics | Students or low cost workers wanting tech / app support |
| Hygeia HMO | ~ ₦55,000/year or more for basic individual plan | Outpatient/inpatient, preventive care, specialist consults | 1,000+ hospitals clinics | Family or those wanting larger hospital choice |
| AXA Mansard Health | ~ ₦20,000/year (some plans) to much higher for bigger plans | Outpatient, emergency, maternity, lab tests etc. | 500‑1000 network centres | Workers, small businesses, families wanting mid to high service quality |
| Well Health Network Ltd | ~ ₦18,500/year for basic individual plan | Outpatient, basic emergency, consultations etc. | Medium network, several partner hospitals | Students or people on budget who only need basics |
| Novo Health Africa | ~ ₦25,000‑₦30,000/year for basic plan | Outpatient, emergency, some specialist, possibly preventive screening | Large number of clinics & hospitals across states | Workers who want more coverage but still moderate cost |
| Avon HMO | ~ ₦27,500/year for some basic plans | Outpatient, family coverage, corporate plans, prevention etc. | Good hospital network nationally | Families, professionals wanting better service |
Other Types of Private Health Insurance & Alternatives
Government‑Backed & NHIS Private Health Plans
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The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) provides Private Health Plans (for employed individuals, self‑employed, families, etc.). These are delivered by HMOs but regulated by the government.
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Using the NHIA‑accredited HMOs helps ensure standards, pricing control, and protection.
Group Health Insurance / Corporate Plans
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These are plans offered by your employer or by associations/unions. They usually cost less per person because risk is shared.
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They may offer better benefits (bigger hospital networks, more services) than individual retail plans.
Community‑Based Health Insurance (CBHI)
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If you are in informal work or community, CBHI plans are organized locally. They may cover basic care, clinic visits, sometimes hospital.
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These are more limited but more affordable.
Pros vs Cons: Private vs Government/NHIS vs Group
| Factor | Private / HMO‑led Plans | NHIS / Government Schemes | Group / Corporate Plans |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed / Waiting Times | Usually faster; better facilities and customer service | Often slower, bureaucratic delays | Can be better than NHIS; depends on the corporate contract |
| Cost | Higher premiums; more out‑of‑pocket costs | Lower cost; often subsidized; may have fewer options | Mid to high depending on benefits; sometimes cheaper per person |
| Coverage Range | More options (dental, optical, specialist etc.) | Basic services; less flexibility | Often good; depends on what the company negotiated |
| Flexibility & Choice | High flexibility; can choose hospitals, plans | Limited choice; fewer providers | Moderate; depends on how strong the corporate plan is |
| Quality of Service | Often better amenities, more comfort | Can be standard; sometimes public hospitals are crowded | Often good, especially for higher tier corporate plans |
Real‑Life Examples
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Student Example: Ada is a university student. She wants outpatient care, emergency when needed, dental and eye check once a year. She has limited money. A plan like Well Health Network Basic or Novo Health Africa basic is a good choice. She might pay ~ ₦18,500‑₦30,000 per year.
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Working Class Example: Emeka works in Lagos in a company. He wants family cover (spouse, kids), maternity, good hospital options. He can afford higher premium. An HMO like Hygeia or AXA Mansard will give him more hospital choices and services.
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Small Business Owner Example: Funke owns a small shop, 10 employees. She wants to offer health insurance to attract workers and keep them healthy. A group health plan via an HMO like Avon or Reliance will help; better rates per person, possibly more features.
How to Apply / Join Private Health Insurance
Step‑by‑Step Guide
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Decide Your Needs: Are you single, family, need maternity, dental, optical? How often do you expect hospital visits?
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Set Your Budget: What can you pay monthly or yearly without stress?
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Check Accreditation: Make sure the HMO or insurer is approved by NHIA / NHIS or any relevant regulatory body.
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Compare Plans: Use comparison tools or ask HMOs to send plan options. Look at coverage, cost, waiting period, hospitals network.
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Read the Fine Print: What is not covered? Are there deductibles, co‑payments, or hidden charges? What about pre‑existing conditions?
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Enroll / Register: Fill out forms, submit required documents, pay first premium.
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Keep Records: Keep proof of payment, medical history, policy documents.
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Use Benefits When Needed: Know the network hospitals, how to make claims, how to get approvals.
Best Practices & Tips to Save Money
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Pick Network Hospitals Near You: If your nearest hospital is far, you may have to travel or pay more.
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Go for Preventive Care: Doing regular checkups, immunisation can prevent big costs later.
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Choose the Right Plan Level: Don’t over‑pay for services you rarely use; but also don’t skimp and regret when a big emergency comes.
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Negotiate Group Rates: If you can join with coworkers, union, or community, group plans are cheaper per person.
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Watch Renewal Terms: Some plans have premium increases after a year; check how much.
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Ask About Home‑Delivery of Medication / Telemedicine: These features can save time and money.
Top Private Health Insurance Companies in Nigeria: Full Reviews
Below more detailed reviews of selected companies.
Hygeia HMO
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Strengths: Long history, big hospital network, good preventive programs, trusted brand.
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Weaknesses: Premiums may be higher for some plans; some people may find the application / claims wait a bit for complicated cases.
AXA Mansard Health
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Strengths: Transparent service, digital tools, flexible plans, good network.
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Weaknesses: For full premium plans, cost is high; some hospitals may demand upfront payments even if insured.
Reliance HMO
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Strengths: Very affordable base plans, tech focus, telemedicine, accessible customer service.
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Weaknesses: Lower‑cost plans might have fewer hospital options, less luxurious services.
Well Health Network
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Strengths: Cheapest among many, good basic coverage, good for students.
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Weaknesses: Limited high‑end hospital access or specialty care; less additional value (like dental, eye, etc.) in base plans.
Summary Table
Here’s a summary before conclusion:
| HMO / Insurer | Estimated Cost Annual / Basic Plan | Key Strengths | Key Weaknesses | Best If You Are… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hygeia HMO | ₦50,000‑₦60,000+ | Big network, preventive care, strong brand | More expensive, some waiting times for big claims | Family or working citizen wanting best coverage |
| AXA Mansard Health | ~₦20,000‑₦60,000+ (varies) | Flexibility, quality hospitals, good customer support | Premium plans are costly, possible upfront hospital charges | Professionals or those needing richer benefits |
| Reliance HMO | ₦42,000+ or ₦3,500‑ₙXPR per month in some plans | Affordable options, tech/telemed, good customer care | Low‑cost plans may limit hospital choice or coverage | Students, less frequent healthcare users |
| Well Health Network | ~₦18,500 | Very low cost, good for basic needs | Missing premium features or wide specialist/hospital access | Students, low income workers, minimal medical needs |
| Novo Health Africa | ~₦25,000‑₦30,000 | Balanced cost & network, good reach | Not cheapest, high‑end services may cost extra | Working people wanting middle‑range coverage |
| Avon HMO | ~₦27,500 basic | Strong reputation, good hospital choice | Cost higher, some services may need top plan | Families, small businesses needing reliable cover |
Conclusion
Choosing the best private health insurance company in Nigeria depends on your personal needs: budget, how often you use medical services, whether family coverage is required, and how comfortable you are with hospital choices. HMOs like Hygeia, AXA Mansard, Reliance, Well Health Network, Novo Health Africa, and Avon are among the top options.
If you are a student or worker on a tight budget, starter/basic plans from Reliance, Well Health, or Novo might suit you. If you have more resources or want more comfort and hospital choice, then Hygeia or AXA Mansard could be worth the extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What does “HMO” mean and how is it different from private insurance?
HMO = Health Maintenance Organisation. In Nigeria, private insurance is often delivered by HMOs. The difference can be slight: HMO emphasizes management of health services (hospital networks, preventive care) plus insurance coverage. -
Are all HMOs in Nigeria safe and accredited?
No. Always check if the HMO is accredited with NHIA (National Health Insurance Authority) or recognised by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Accreditation ensures regulation, standards, and legal protection. -
Do HMOs cover pre‑existing illnesses?
Often there are waiting periods or exclusions for pre‑existing conditions. Some plans may cover them after a time or at extra cost. Always read policy terms. -
How much does private health insurance cost per month?
It depends on the plan features, how many people are covered, hospitals network, services. Basic individual plans can cost around ₦15,000‑₦25,000/year or more. Premium plans cost much more. -
Can I add my family (spouse, kids) to a private plan?
Yes. Many HMOs offer family plans. Adding family increases premium but gives protection to more people. -
What hospitals can I use with a private HMO?
You can use hospitals and clinics that are in the network of the HMO. If you go outside network, you may pay more or nothing. Important to check network list before picking. -
How fast is claims / approval process?
Varies by HMO. In good ones, authorisation for procedures happens quickly; customer service helps. Lower‑cost or smaller HMOs may have slower processes. -
Is private health insurance worth it?
Yes, if you can afford the premium and want peace of mind, faster care, and more options. It saves money in emergencies. But if you rarely need healthcare, a basic plan might be enough. -
Can I switch from one HMO to another?
Often yes, at renewal time. But check if you’ll lose benefits, or waiting periods reset. -
Will private insurance cover abroad / international travel medical emergencies?
Some plans include international or travel health insurance. But those are premium or separate add‑ons. If this is important, check that feature when choosing. -
What happens if I cannot afford premium next year?
You might downgrade to a cheaper plan, reduce coverage, or find group plans. Or sometimes drop out, but then you won’t have coverage. It’s best to plan ahead.