Taking the bold step of moving to another country for the purpose of studying is a very big risk when you have dependents who will be moving with you to Nigeria. The health and safety risks are much higher when there are dependents moving with you to Nigeria. The Nigerian health care system has both many quality, high end private hospitals and many over burdened public hospitals. For an international student to navigate the health care system in Nigeria without first securing adequate health insurance is a huge financial risk that you should not take.
The process of obtaining the proper HMO or International Insurance Policy is much more than just meeting the requirements of a visa application. The process of acquiring the proper health insurance policy is intended to ensure that you do not go into a financial meltdown because of a late night fever or a scraped knee at school. This guide identifies all of the top Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), outlines the typical costs associated with each organization, and provides the strategic considerations that you need to know in order to secure the best possible health insurance policy for your family in 2026 while you pursue your studies.
The Landscape: Local HMOs vs. International Insurers
The two routes available to you in Nigeria as a student are a local Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) that exists inside of a Nigerian network, or a global private medical insurance (IPMI) supplier.
Students tend to choose local HMOs because they pay in Naira and therefore are less volatile in terms of cost. Local HMOs have long standing relationships with local hospitals so “cashless” treatment is the norm – when the insurer pays the hospital direct for treatments.
Global insurers, on the other hand, price in USD/GBP. Global insurers are much more costly than local options but provide something that local options usually do not: portability. For example, if you need to travel home to be with your family over the summer or receive special surgical care that is better provided by European or United Arab Emirates based surgeons, it would be a global plan that provides you with your best protection.
Shortlist: The Top Providers for 2026
There is certainly no shortage of health insurance options available; however, there are a handful of companies that stand out from the crowd when it comes to providing a reliable network of providers, easy online experience and prompt claim payments.
1. Reliance HMO
Reliance has revolutionized the way many Nigerians think about health care by taking a technology-based approach. The app from Reliance is an absolute must-have for all students. With the app, you can speak with a physician using telemedicine before ever having to leave your dorm room. Reliance’s retail plans offer flexibility and Reliance boasts a very extensive network of hospitals across major cities such as Lagos, Ibadan, and Abuja.
2. AXA Mansard
AXA Mansard is a global company that has a significant presence in Nigeria and therefore represents a stable option. The “EasyCare” plans offered by AXA Mansard are designed for those who have limited budgets. As a result, if you are seeking the least expensive premium possible while still being able to obtain treatment at an acceptable clinic, AXA may be a good place to begin.
3. Avon HMO
Avon is often recommended to families because of Avon’s structured maternity benefits. While planning to expand your family during your time studying abroad, Avon’s higher tier plans may provide some of the best prenatal and post natal coverage available in the country.
4. Hygeia HMO
Hygeia HMO is one of the original players in this space, which means that they have developed long-standing relationships with high quality hospitals. Hygeia’s mid to high tier plans will be beneficial for families that want to ensure that their children receive treatment from the best doctors available in the private sector.
5. Leadway Health
The lead way health is a premium service offered by many of the major health care insurance companies in Nigeria. Their annual limits are larger than other companies and their international referrals are among the largest among local insurance companies.
6. SUNU Health
SUNU was formerly known as Managed Health Care Services. SUNU provides “Retail Pearl” plans. The primary focus of SUNU is the stabilization of emergencies and the provision of prescriptions. A low-cost, high-reliability plan for students.
7. Total Health Trust (THT)
THT has an enormous corporate presence in Nigeria and this has translated to good retail products such as the “All Do Plan”. THT is a reliable provider with a large network across Nigeria including smaller cities and towns.
8. WellHealth
Wellhealth is an affordable provider of basic health insurance. Wellhealth is best suited for young students that require a minimal level of health insurance to protect against malaria, typhoid fever, and/or minor accidents.
9. Clearline HMO
Clearline is one of the largest hospital networks in Nigeria. If you are attending school in a rural area, a small town or a remote part of the country; Clearline is the only way you will be able to access a partner clinic in the event of a medical emergency.
10. Global Providers (Cigna, Allianz, William Russell)
Global providers are the gold standard for students from families that travel internationally. They offer large levels of coverage (often up to $1million+). Medical evacuations are included as a standard benefit. If your budget can accommodate $150-$250/month; the peace of mind that global providers offer is unmatched.
Understanding the Cost: What to Budget in 2026
Health insurance costs in Nigeria vary wildly based on the “tier” of hospitals you wish to access. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to pay per person, per year.
| Plan Tier | Estimated Annual Cost (Per Adult) | Best For |
| Basic/Entry | ₦18,000 – ₦30,000 | Healthy students; basic outpatient care and emergencies. |
| Mid-Range | ₦35,000 – ₦75,000 | Families with children; includes limited surgeries and maternity. |
| Premium Local | ₦100,000 – ₦250,000 | Comprehensive care; access to high-end private hospitals. |
| International | $1,200 – $3,000+ (USD) | Global coverage; medical evacuation; highest care standards. |
Note: ₦ denotes Nigerian Naira. Prices are indicative and subject to provider adjustments and age-related loading.
Critical Coverage Points to Scrutinize
Do not buy a plan based on the brochure alone. You must look at the “Table of Benefits.” For international students with dependants, these five areas are non-negotiable:
Maternity and Newborn Care
Most Nigerian HMOs have a waiting period for maternity (usually 6 to 12 months). This means if you are already pregnant, the plan will not cover the delivery. Furthermore, check the “Neonatal” cap. If a newborn requires an incubator or NICU stay, basic plans often have very low limits that can be exhausted in 48 hours.
Chronic and Pre-existing Conditions
Conditions like asthma, hypertension, or diabetes are often excluded or have a one-year waiting period. If you or a family member manages a chronic condition, you must declare it upfront. A plan that covers maintenance drugs for these conditions is worth the extra premium.
Hospital Network Tiering
HMOs categorize hospitals into levels (e.g., Tier 1, 2, or 3). A “Silver” plan might only give you access to Tier 3 hospitals. Before paying, ask for the provider list for your specific city (Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt). Make sure there is a reputable hospital within 15 minutes of your residence.
Dental and Optical
In Nigeria, these are almost always “add-ons” or capped at very low amounts (e.g., ₦15,000 per year). If your children need frequent eye exams or dental checkups, you may find it cheaper to pay out-of-pocket rather than buying a premium plan just for these benefits.
Medical Evacuation
Nigeria has excellent doctors, but specialized equipment can be scarce. If a family member suffers a critical cardiac event or a complex neurological issue, you may want the option to be flown to a neighboring country or back home. This is rarely included in local plans but is the cornerstone of international policies.
Actionable Strategy: How to Choose
Choosing a plan is a logical process, not a sentimental one. Follow these steps to ensure you are getting value for your money.
- Audit Your Location: Use Google Maps to find the three best-rated hospitals near your university. Contact these hospitals and ask which HMOs they “actually” enjoy working with. Hospitals often have a preferred list of HMOs that pay claims promptly.
- The “Dependant” Math: If you have two children, it is often more cost-effective to buy a “Family Plan” bundle rather than three or four individual plans. However, some HMOs allow you to mix and match—a premium plan for the spouse (maternity focus) and basic plans for the children.
- Check the “Sub-limits”: A plan might say it has a ₦1.5 million annual limit, but then limit “Surgeries” to ₦200,000. Read the fine print. A single appendectomy in a good Lagos hospital can easily exceed ₦300,000.
- Verification of Requirements: Before purchasing, check with your university’s international office. Some schools have mandatory student health schemes. You don’t want to pay for private insurance only to find you’ve already been billed for a mandatory university plan.
Pro Tips:
Nigeria can be a very energizing and fun place to study; however, it does require a very proactive approach to maintaining your own personal safety. A mid-tier domestic plan (Reliance or AXA Mansard) will generally provide the most effective balance of price and coverage for the majority of students as they will typically cover malaria, respiratory infections, and other minor injuries that are common while studying abroad in Nigeria.
If your families’ health needs are more complex, or if you are uncomfortable using the local medical system for more serious procedures then purchasing an international plan such as Cigna or Allianz could be a valid “investment” as it would serve as a legitimate “insurance” for what may be an unexpected event.
Insurance is something you purchase so you don’t have to use it when needed. In the moment you need it, the quality of your service provider becomes the most critical decision you’ve ever made.
References:
- AXA Global Healthcare. (n.d.). International health insurance plans. https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com/en/international-health-insurance/
- AXA Mansard. (n.d.). HMO plans: Affordable health insurance for Nigerians. https://www.axamansard.com/health/plans
- International Insurance. (n.d.). The 10 best international health insurance companies in 2025. https://www.internationalinsurance.com/health/best-companies/
- Leadway Health. (n.d.). Global health insurance coverage. https://leadwayhealth.com/global-coverage/
- My Advantage Africa. (n.d.). Best health insurance plans for individuals and families in Nigeria. https://myadvantage.africa/best-health-insurances-plans-for-individuals-and-families-in-nigeria/
- MyCoverGenius. (2025, November 15). 6 best Avon HMO alternatives in Nigeria for 2026 (with prices). https://mycovergenius.com/blog/best-avon-hmo-alternatives-nigeria-2026_376
- NairaCompare. (2025, November 16). Top 10 health insurance plans in Nigeria in 2025 — Affordable & reliable options. https://nairacompare.ng/blogs/op-10-health-insurance-plans-in-nigeria-affordable-reliable-options
- Pacific Prime. (n.d.). Nigeria health insurance for expats. https://www.pacificprime.com/country/africa/nigeria-health-insurance/
- Reliance HMO. (n.d.). Best health insurance for individuals & families. https://staging.reliancehmo.com/you-and-others
- SUNU Health Nigeria. (n.d.). Retail plan (Individual and Family). https://sunuhealthnigeria.com/our-health-plans/retail-plan
- Total Health Trust. (n.d.). Retail plans for individuals. https://tht.tangerine.africa/individuals
