Nigeria's public health insurance covers only a minority of the population, and state facilities are limited, so expats rely on private hospitals and international cover. Most British nationals are in Lagos or Abuja, often in the oil and gas or finance sectors.
For expats in Nigeria, medical evacuation cover is especially important: serious cases are frequently flown abroad for treatment. International private medical insurance provides access to the better private hospitals plus that all-important evacuation guarantee.
Healthcare in Nigeria: how the system works
Public system: National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), formerly the NHIS.
Nigeria's public health insurance is run by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), which replaced the older National Health Insurance Scheme; a 2022 law made health insurance mandatory in principle, but coverage in practice remains low. Public facilities are under-resourced, and the strongest private hospitals are in Lagos and Abuja. Many Nigerians and expats pay privately or rely on employer cover.
As an expat you would not depend on the state scheme, and your UK domestic policy will not cover you as a resident of Nigeria. British nationals in the oil and gas, finance and diplomatic sectors almost always hold international private medical insurance, usually arranged or subsidised by their employer. Evacuation cover is a central feature of these plans.
Why British expats take out private cover
Nigeria's private hospitals vary in quality, and for serious or complex conditions patients are often evacuated abroad, so cover that includes international treatment and evacuation is the priority. IPMI matters here more for that evacuation guarantee and access to overseas care than for routine treatment. It also ensures you are covered on trips back to the UK and between postings.
What expat health insurance costs in Nigeria
Everyday private treatment in Nigeria can be paid for locally, but comprehensive international cover with evacuation is a significant cost that reflects the value of being flown out for major care. Premiums depend on age, medical history, cover area and whether evacuation and outpatient treatment are included. For corporate postings this cover is typically provided as part of the package.
Good to know before you move
- Medical evacuation cover is especially important — serious cases are often treated abroad.
- The best private hospitals are concentrated in Lagos and Abuja.
- Most British expats work in oil and gas, finance or diplomacy.
- A 2022 law made health insurance mandatory in principle, but coverage remains low.
Private hospitals and where Britons settle
Nigeria hosts a long-established British business community, based mainly in Lagos and Abuja, though many are on employer packages rather than permanent residents.
Private hospitals used by expats include Lagoon Hospitals, Reddington Hospital and St Nicholas Hospital, concentrated in Lagos.
Popular with British expats: Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt.
How a UK broker helps expats in Nigeria
International private medical insurance is a specialist market, and the right policy depends on your visa, your age, your medical history and how much time you spend outside Nigeria. A UK-based specialist broker can compare the international insurers available through its service, check that a policy meets any local or visa requirement, and explain what is — and is not — covered before you commit.
A broker can compare only the insurers and policies available through its service, and may receive commission or charge a fee. Ask for the insurer panel, the remuneration disclosure and the total price. Requesting a quote is free and puts you under no obligation to buy.
Expat health insurance in Nigeria: FAQs
Can expats use public healthcare in Nigeria?
Nigeria's public insurance through the NHIA covers only a minority of the population, and state facilities are under-resourced, so expats do not rely on it. British nationals use private hospitals and international insurance, usually with medical evacuation.
Why is medical evacuation cover so important in Nigeria?
Private hospital quality varies and serious or complex cases are frequently flown abroad for treatment, so evacuation is often the difference in an emergency. Nearly all international plans for Nigeria include it, and corporate employers typically treat it as essential.
Will my UK health insurance work in Nigeria?
No. A UK domestic policy such as Bupa By You is designed for UK residents and will not cover you once you live in Nigeria. You will need an international private medical insurance plan, ideally with evacuation cover.
Is health insurance mandatory in Nigeria?
A 2022 law establishing the NHIA made health insurance mandatory in principle for residents, but in practice coverage remains low and it is not typically enforced as a visa condition. Expats hold comprehensive international cover regardless, because state provision is limited.
Other expat destinations
Visa, residency and insurance rules change and vary by individual circumstances. This guide is general information, not personal or regulated advice — always confirm the current requirements for your situation before you rely on them. Health Insurance UK is an information and lead-generation service, not an insurer or broker.