Recent findings from the International Trade Commission reveal a startling reality — less than 5% of Nigerians currently have any form of health insurance. This means that the vast majority of citizens still rely on out-of-pocket payments for medical care, leaving many vulnerable in times of illness or emergencies.
This low adoption rate underscores an urgent need for wider health insurance participation, particularly as medical costs continue to rise and access to affordable healthcare becomes a national concern.
Why Universal Health Coverage Matters
Achieving universal health coverage (UHC) is one of Nigeria’s most critical health sector ambitions. UHC means that every Nigerian, regardless of their income or location, can access quality medical services without the crushing weight of unexpected medical bills.
Health insurance is central to achieving this goal — by spreading the cost of healthcare through premiums and pooled funds, it eases the financial burden on individuals and ensures that healthcare becomes a right, not a privilege.
Top 15 Affordable Health Insurance (HMO) Plans in Nigeria
15. Reliance HMO – ₦42,500/year
Reliance HMO is one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing health insurers, offering digital-first healthcare services for individuals, families, and companies.
- Plan: Basic Plan
- Cost: ₦3,500/month (₦42,500/year)
- Benefits: Outpatient consultation, lab tests, medications, and hospital access.
- NHIA Code: 92
Reliance stands out for its tech-driven approach, offering virtual consultations and seamless claims processing via its mobile app.
14. Ronsberger HMO – ₦40,000/year
Ronsberger HMO serves both public and private sectors while also offering individual coverage.
- Plan: Bronze Plan
- Cost: ₦40,000/year
- Benefits: General consultations, lab tests, prescribed medications.
- NHIA Code: 10
Known for its nationwide hospital network, Ronsberger is a reliable choice for individuals seeking basic coverage.
13. Sunu Health Limited – ₦36,080/year
SUNU Health is part of the SUNU Group, with strong ties to the West African insurance sector.
- Plan: Retail Pearl Plan
- Cost: ₦36,080/year
- Benefits: Specialist consultations, prescriptions, nationwide emergency cover.
- NHIA Code: 016
SUNU Health is popular among SMEs and private individuals due to its broad coverage options.
12. HCI Healthcare Limited – ₦35,000/year
Established in 1997, HCI Healthcare provides affordable managed care services for Nigerians.
- Plan: Titanium Compact Plan
- Cost: ₦35,000/year
- Benefits: Outpatient care, lab tests, and prescribed drugs.
HCI’s long-standing experience makes it a trusted provider with access to quality hospitals.
11. Precious HMO – ₦30,000/year
Precious Healthcare Ltd was incorporated in 2006 and has an extensive hospital network.
- Plan: Precious Individual Plan
- Cost: ₦30,000/year
- Benefits: General and specialist consultations, NHIS-accredited hospital care.
- NHIA Code: 036
A great option for individuals looking for reliable coverage at a moderate price.
10. Salus Trust HMO – ₦30,000/year
Salus Trust is Nigeria’s only Catholic-owned HMO, established in 2009.
- Plan: Salus Green Plan
- Cost: ₦30,000/year
- Benefits: Outpatient and inpatient care, prescription drugs.
Its faith-based foundation attracts religious organizations and individuals seeking community-driven healthcare.
9. Clearline HMO – ₦30,000/year
Clearline is among Nigeria’s leading HMOs, serving corporate and private clients alike.
- Plan: Basic Individual Plan
- Cost: ₦30,000/year
- Benefits: Consultations, lab tests, and emergency services.
- NHIA Code: 3
Clearline is widely trusted for its extensive provider network.
8. Hallmark HMO – ₦30,000/year
Hallmark HMO provides insurance solutions for individuals, families, and organizations.
- Plan: Zircon Plan
- Cost: ₦30,000/year
- Benefits: Basic healthcare services, prescriptions, and hospital access.
- NHIA Code: 96
Hallmark’s customer support and accessibility make it a top choice for personal plans.
7. United Healthcare International Ltd – ₦27,500/year
United Healthcare International has operated since 2000, serving public and private sectors.
- Plan: Basic Plan
- Cost: ₦27,500/year
- Benefits: Outpatient care, management of chronic conditions, and more.
- NHIA Code: 7
This HMO is highly respected for its comprehensive primary care services.
6. Avon HMO – ₦27,500/year
Avon HMO launched in 2012 and quickly became a leading health insurance brand.
- Plan: Life Starter Plan
- Cost: ₦27,500/year
- Benefits: Physiotherapy, travel immunization, consultations, and more.
Avon is known for its innovative offerings and customer-friendly approach.
5. Novo Health Africa – ₦25,200/year
Novo Health Africa provides care for individuals and SMEs across Nigeria.
- Plan: Basic Plan
- Cost: ₦25,200/year
- Benefits: Outpatient care, accident and emergency coverage.
Novo is recognized for affordable pricing without sacrificing coverage quality.
4. Axa Mansard HMO – ₦20,000/year (₦12,000 for 6 months)
Axa Mansard is a leading insurance provider with global backing.
- Plan: Easy Care Plan
- Cost: ₦12,000 for 6 months or ₦20,000/year
- Benefits: Access to primary and secondary care services.
- NHIA Code: 59
Its flexible payment plan makes it one of the most accessible options.
3. Well Health Network Ltd – ₦18,500/year
Well Health Network provides affordable coverage for individuals.
- Plan: Basic Health Plan
- Cost: ₦18,500/year
- Benefits: General consultations, prescriptions, and more.
- NHIA Code: 67
This is an ideal plan for individuals looking for basic, low-cost coverage.
2. Wellness Health Management Services – ₦15,000/year
Wellness HMO offers some of the most affordable plans in Nigeria.
- Plan: Wellness Basic Plan
- Cost: ₦15,000/year
- Benefits: Consultations, hospital visits, and medication.
- NHIA Code: 41
An excellent entry-level health insurance plan for students and low-income earners.
1. Healthcare Partners Ltd – ₦12,000/year
Healthcare Partners Limited is the most affordable option on this list.
- Plan: Treasure Plan
- Cost: ₦12,000/year
- Benefits: Primary and secondary care, access to designated hospitals.
With its low cost and wide hospital network, Healthcare Partners makes health insurance accessible to almost everyone.
Comparison Table: Top 15 Affordable HMOs in Nigeria
| Rank | HMO | Annual Cost (₦) | Plan Name | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Healthcare Partners Ltd | ₦12,000 | Treasure Plan | Primary & secondary care |
| 2 | Wellness Health Management | ₦15,000 | Wellness Basic Plan | Consultations & hospital visits |
| 3 | Well Health Network Ltd | ₦18,500 | Basic Plan | Basic coverage for individuals |
| 4 | Axa Mansard HMO | ₦20,000 | Easy Care Plan | Flexible payments, broad access |
| 5 | Novo Health Africa | ₦25,200 | Basic Plan | Outpatient & emergency |
| 6 | Avon HMO | ₦27,500 | Life Starter Plan | Physiotherapy, travel immunization |
| 7 | United Healthcare Intl. | ₦27,500 | Basic Plan | Outpatient care, chronic conditions |
| 8 | Hallmark HMO | ₦30,000 | Zircon Plan | Basic coverage |
| 9 | Clearline HMO | ₦30,000 | Basic Plan | Consultations, emergency |
| 10 | Salus Trust HMO | ₦30,000 | Salus Green Plan | Faith-based plan |
| 11 | Precious HMO | ₦30,000 | Precious Individual | NHIS-accredited care |
| 12 | HCI Healthcare Ltd | ₦35,000 | Titanium Compact | Lab tests & outpatient |
| 13 | Sunu Health Ltd | ₦36,080 | Retail Pearl Plan | Specialist consultations |
| 14 | Ronsberger HMO | ₦40,000 | Bronze Plan | General consultations |
| 15 | Reliance HMO | ₦42,500 | Basic Plan | Tech-driven coverage |
A Closer Look at Health Insurance in Nigeria
Health insurance serves as a protective shield for individuals and families, absorbing the shock of expensive medical bills. With a monthly or annual premium, enrollees gain access to approved hospitals, clinics, and treatments without having to pay the full cost upfront.
In Nigeria, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) is tasked with regulating, monitoring, and expanding health insurance schemes nationwide. Despite NHIA’s ambitious target to achieve universal coverage by 2030, progress has been slow, with coverage still sitting at under 5% of the population.
Currently, NHIA schemes cater largely to federal civil servants, while state-managed programs extend to government employees in their jurisdictions. For millions of ordinary Nigerians, Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) bridge the gap by designing affordable, flexible plans for individuals, families, small businesses, and corporate organizations.
How This Ranking Was Compiled
This review — based on research by Nairametrics — zeroes in on the affordability of entry-level individual health insurance plans offered by Nigeria’s leading HMOs.
The focus is on basic, no-frills plans designed for single individuals, comparing their annual premiums to determine which options provide the most cost-effective access to healthcare.
By highlighting these HMOs, the ranking serves as a practical guide for Nigerians looking for an affordable starting point in their health insurance journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the cheapest health insurance plan in Nigeria?
The most affordable health insurance option on this list is Healthcare Partners Ltd’s Treasure Plan, which costs just ₦12,000 per year. This plan provides access to primary and secondary healthcare services at selected hospitals.
At this price point, it’s ideal for students, low-income earners, and first-time subscribers who want to enjoy the benefits of health insurance without a major financial commitment. While it may not cover all specialized treatments, it provides a solid foundation for everyday healthcare needs like consultations and basic tests.
2. Are these HMO plans suitable for families?
The ranking in this article focuses on individual plans for affordability comparison, but most HMOs in Nigeria also offer family plans.
Family plans typically cover you, your spouse, and children — and in some cases, even dependents like elderly parents. These plans cost more than individual ones but provide better value for households, as a single premium ensures the entire family has hospital access, consultations, and preventive care.
If you’re looking for family coverage, HMOs like Avon, Axa Mansard, and Clearline have family-friendly packages that can be customized based on your budget.
3. Can I pay monthly instead of yearly?
Yes! Many HMOs offer flexible payment structures, meaning you don’t have to pay the full yearly premium at once. For example, Reliance HMO and Axa Mansard allow monthly payments, while others even offer quarterly or bi-annual payment options.
This flexibility is especially helpful for freelancers, business owners, or those with irregular income streams, making health insurance more accessible and easier to maintain.
4. What does health insurance typically cover?
The coverage you get depends on the plan you choose and the HMO’s offerings. However, most basic health insurance plans in Nigeria generally include:
- General Consultations: Visits to a general practitioner or family doctor.
- Laboratory Tests: Basic diagnostic tests like blood work and urinalysis.
- Prescribed Drugs: Access to a range of medications prescribed by a doctor.
- Hospital Admissions: Coverage for in-patient stays, depending on the plan level.
- Emergency Care: Treatment for accidents and urgent medical situations.
Higher-tier plans may add specialist consultations, maternity care, dental services, optical care, or even international coverage.
5. How do I register for a health insurance plan in Nigeria?
Registering for health insurance in Nigeria is straightforward. You have several options:
Online Registration: Most HMOs allow you to sign up directly on their websites. You can compare plans, fill in your details, and pay online.
HMO Offices or Agents: You can walk into an HMO branch or talk to their accredited agents who will guide you through the process.
Accredited Hospitals: Some HMOs partner with hospitals where you can sign up on-site.
Once you register, you’ll receive an HMO card or digital ID, which you’ll present at partner hospitals to access care.
