Before now, to get health insurance in Nigeria, you will need to have a letter from your employer stating that you are covered under their insurance plan. You can also apply for a health insurance policy online.
If you have a family member who is already insured, they may be able to get you on their list of people covered by their plan.
Today, if you do not have any options or if you want to make sure that your family is covered, then it may be best to purchase a health insurance policy on your own. Home accidents and school accidents are common today to name a few. Read along with me to learn the requirements for getting health insurance in Nigeria.
Requirements for Getting Health Insurance in Nigeria
Nigeria is a country with a lot of people, and that means there’s a lot of competition for the best cheap health insurance. But good news, after a lot of research, we have found requirements for getting health insurance in Nigeria. They are:
- To get health insurance, you need to be a resident of Nigeria or have a valid travel visa.
- You can apply for health insurance through your employer or yourself. However, it is advised that you apply through your employer because they will help you get approved faster than if you do it yourself.
- You must provide a document showing proof of your residential address
- Proof of employment at the company where you work
- Copies of your identity cards/passports or passports from other countries if applicable
- Plus any other documents that may be required by the insurer (e.g., certificates from schools, etc.).
3 Main ways of Getting Health Insurance in Nigeria
You can get coverage through your employer or through the government. You can also apply by yourself. There are three main options:
- Through your employer: If you work for an employer who provides health insurance, they will be able to offer you their plan. It’s important to check with your employer before signing up for anything. They may have specific requirements or restrictions that make it difficult for you to qualify for their plan.
- Through the government: If you work for a government agency, such as a school or university, then you will be eligible for their plan. However, this isn’t always an option. It depends on what agency you work for and whether or not they are willing to provide coverage.
- By Yourself: You can choose to apply for health insurance by yourself. Choose any plan that you can afford or best suit you.
Basic Things to Look out for Before Getting a Health insurance in Nigeria
Getting health insurance is a lot like getting a car. You want to make sure you are protected, and that you are paying for what you need.
Here are some things you look out for or should think about:
- Do I have enough coverage?
- Is it affordable?
- How often do I use it?
- Can I claim my taxes?
Things to Consider Before Getting a Health Insurance
There are a lot of things to consider before getting health insurance in Nigeria. You want to make sure you are picking the right policy, and that it will cover everything you need it to cover.
Here are some things to consider or keep in mind:
- What kind of coverage do you need? You can get health insurance for yourself and your dependents, or for your children. If you’re on a plan that covers adults only, will your spouse be able to enroll in the same plan?
- How long do you want the coverage to last? Some companies offer short-term policies that only last six months, while others offer longer-term plans that provide coverage for two years or longer.
- Do you want to pay monthly premiums instead of paying one lump sum up front? Many companies offer both options; look into what works best for your budget.
- How much does it cost to register health insurance in Nigeria?
- How long do I have to pay my premiums?
- How much money will I save if I pay monthly instead of annually?
- What kind of coverage does it provide (doctors’ visits, prescription drugs)? Is it enough? Will it cover me if I need more care later in life?
- How do I choose which doctor or hospital network will be used for claims processing?
Conclusion
Don’t wait until you get sick to get health insurance. If you are like most people, you probably don’t know much about health insurance. You might have heard that the requirements are tough, it’s expensive and hard to get, but is that really true? Can you afford to present the requirements? Can you really get quality coverage without paying a fortune? The answer is yes.
In order to get the best health insurance coverage at the best price, you need to know what your options are. As you know what your options have, it is also important to also know the requirements for getting health insurance in Nigeria.