Best Health Insurance Plans for Women in Nigeria (2026)

Introduction

Your pregnancy test is positive. You need prenatal care, but hospital bills are overwhelming. You don't have health insurance covering maternity services. You're forced to delay check-ups or pay crushing out-of-pocket costs risking your health and your baby's.

Without proper health insurance for women, you may pay out-of-pocket for antenatal visits (costs vary by hospital and city), delivery (costs vary widely depending on facility and complications), postnatal care, cancer screenings, and routine women's health services.

This guide reveals the best health insurance plans for women in Nigeria in 2026, comparing maternity coverage, reproductive health benefits, gynaecological services, pricing, and which HMO companies provide comprehensive women's healthcare. Whether you're planning pregnancy, managing reproductive health, or seeking preventive care, these plans ensure you access quality healthcare without financial devastation.

Table of Contents

• Why Women Need Specialized Health Insurance

• What Women's Health Insurance Covers

• Best Health Insurance Companies for Women in Nigeria

• Maternity Coverage Comparison

• How Much Health Insurance Costs for Women

• How to Choose the Right Plan

• nairaCompare Insight

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Related Resources

• Conclusion

• Disclaimer
  

Why Women Need Specialized Health Insurance

Women face unique healthcare needs requiring specialized insurance coverage beyond basic plans:

Maternity Care Requirements: Pregnancy creates substantial healthcare expenses: antenatal visits (average 8-12 visits at ₦10,000-₦20,000 each), ultrasound scans (₦15,000-₦40,000 per scan), laboratory tests throughout pregnancy, delivery costs (₦200,000-₦500,000 for normal delivery, ₦500,000-₦2,000,000+ for caesarean section), postnatal care, and newborn expenses. Without maternity coverage, these costs devastate family finances.

Reproductive Health Services: Women need regular gynaecological examinations, Pap smears for cervical cancer screening, breast cancer screening (mammograms), family planning services, fertility treatments for some, and reproductive health consultations. Comprehensive health insurance plans cover these preventive services essential for women's health.

Higher Healthcare Utilization: Research shows women access healthcare services more frequently than men due to reproductive health needs, preventive care habits, and managing family health. Appropriate health insurance meaning adequate coverage for frequent healthcare access becomes critical for women.

Age-Specific Needs: Young women require family planning and prenatal services. Women 30-45 face pregnancy-related needs and early cancer screenings. Women 45+ need menopause management and increased cancer screening. Quality HMO companies in Nigeria offer plans addressing these evolving needs.

Financial Protection: Women's healthcare costs accumulate quickly. Emergency caesarean sections can cost ₦1,000,000-₦3,000,000 Emergency caesarean sections can cost significantly more than planned deliveries, depending on hospital and complications. Fertility treatments exceed ₦500,000 per cycle. Cancer treatments reach millions of naira. Health insurance protects women from catastrophic expenses that would otherwise destroy family savings.

What Women's Health Insurance Covers

Comprehensive health insurance for women in Nigeria should include:

Maternity Coverage

Antenatal Care: Regular prenatal check-ups, ultrasound scans, blood tests and laboratory investigations, nutritional counselling, medications and supplements, risk assessment and monitoring.

Delivery Services: Normal vaginal delivery, caesarean section (when medically necessary), hospitalization and room charges, anaesthesia management, operating theatre fees, delivery room charges.

Postnatal Care: Post-delivery check-ups for mother, recovery monitoring, breastfeeding support, postnatal complications treatment, newborn health checks.

Newborn Coverage: Initial newborn care and examinations, vaccinations and immunizations, treatment for neonatal conditions, feeding support services.

Gynaecological Services

Routine Examinations: Annual gynaecological check-ups, pelvic examinations, breast examinations, reproductive health consultations, contraceptive counselling.

Diagnostic Tests: Pap smear tests for cervical cancer screening, mammograms for breast cancer detection, ultrasound scans (pelvic, transvaginal), hormonal testing, STI screening.

Treatment Services: Management of gynaecological conditions (fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS), treatment for infections, minor surgical procedures, referrals to specialists when needed.

Preventive Care

Cancer Screenings: Cervical cancer screening (Pap smears), breast cancer screening (mammograms, clinical breast exams), HPV testing, genetic counselling for high-risk women.

Wellness Services: Annual health check-ups, blood pressure monitoring, diabetes screening, cholesterol testing, BMI assessments, nutritional counselling.

Vaccinations: HPV vaccine for cervical cancer prevention, flu shots, tetanus boosters, other recommended immunizations.

General Healthcare

Outpatient Care: General practitioner consultations, specialist referrals (endocrinologists, cardiologists), diagnostic tests and laboratory work, pharmacy services and medications.

Inpatient Care: Hospital admission when needed, surgical procedures, intensive care if required, emergency services 24/7.

Chronic Condition Management: Diabetes care, hypertension management, thyroid disorders, asthma treatment, ongoing medication coverage.

Best Health Insurance Companies for Women in Nigeria

Hygeia HMO - Premium Maternity Specialist

Coverage Highlights:

• HyMat Plan: Comprehensive maternity coverage for mother and newborn

• HYMAMA IVF Bundle: In Vitro Fertilization coverage for fertility challenges

• Extensive hospital network nationwide

• Antenatal, delivery, postnatal services included

• Newborn vaccinations and care

• Gynaecological services covered
  
  

Plans Available:

• Individual plans: Starting ₦55,590 annually

• Individual plans: Pricing varies by plan tier and may change; confirm current rates with Hygeia.

• Family plans: From ₦230,112 per year

• Senior citizen plans: Available from ₦203,796 annually

• Specialized maternity packages

Pricing: Higher-end pricing reflecting comprehensive coverage and established reputation.

Why Consider Hygeia:

Hygeia HMO's decades-long presence in Nigerian healthcare establishes it as the gold standard for maternity coverage. The HyMat Plan specifically designed for expectant mothers provides complete pregnancy care from conception through delivery to postnatal recovery. Their HYMAMA IVF Bundle addresses fertility challenges many Nigerian women face, covering expensive fertility treatments typically excluded from standard plans.

Hygeia's extensive hospital network includes top maternity facilities across Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and other major cities. Their established claims processing system ensures smooth payment for delivery and maternity services without unexpected bills. The company's longevity demonstrates financial stability crucial for paying expensive delivery and newborn care claims.

Best For: Women planning pregnancy, those struggling with fertility, families seeking comprehensive maternity coverage, women preferring established reputation and stability, mothers wanting premium care during pregnancy.

AXA Mansard - Affordable Maternity Coverage

Coverage Highlights:

• EasyCare Plan: Budget-friendly maternity coverage (₦12,000 for 6 months)EasyCare Plan: Budget-friendly health coverage (pricing and maternity inclusion subject to current plan terms).

• Maternity care included in basic plans

• HIV/AIDS treatment coverage

• Mental health services

• Advanced emergency diagnostics (CT/MRI scans)

• Wide hospital network
•  

Plans Available:

• EasyCare: Starting ₦12,000 for 6 months (most affordable maternity option)

• Individual Retail Health Plans: From ₦58,446 annually

• Family plans available

• Corporate packages for businesses

Pricing: Most affordable maternity coverage in Nigeria at ₦12,000 for 6 months basic coverage.

Why Consider AXA Mansard:

AXA Mansard democratizes maternity coverage by offering the most affordable plan including prenatal and delivery services in Nigeria. Their ₦12,000 semi-annual EasyCare plan makes pregnancy healthcare accessible to young professionals, first-time mothers, and budget-conscious families who would otherwise delay prenatal care due to costs.

Beyond maternity, AXA Mansard includes mental health services crucial for managing pregnancy-related anxiety, postpartum depression, and stress. Their HIV/AIDS care coverage addresses important women's health concerns often stigmatized and excluded from insurance. The advanced diagnostic coverage (CT/MRI scans) proves valuable when pregnancy complications require detailed imaging.

Best For: Budget-conscious women, first-time mothers, young professionals, freelancers with irregular income, women seeking affordable basic maternity coverage, those needing mental health support.

Leadway Health - Comprehensive Women's Healthcare

Coverage Highlights:

• Extensive maternity coverage: antenatal, delivery, postnatal

• Infant vaccinations included

• Wide hospital network nationwide

• Budget-friendly premiums

• Outpatient and inpatient care

• Dental and vision care

• Specialist consultations
  
  

Plans Available:

• Standard individual plans: Starting ₦69,998.50 annually

• Family packages available

• Customized corporate plans for SMEs and large corporations

• Various coverage tiers

Pricing: Mid-range pricing offering good value for comprehensive coverage.

Why Consider Leadway:

Leadway Health balances affordability with comprehensive coverage making it ideal for women wanting complete healthcare beyond just maternity services. Their maternity packages cover the entire pregnancy journey from first antenatal visit through delivery to postnatal check-ups and infant vaccinations. This continuum of care approach ensures mothers and babies receive consistent quality healthcare.

Leadway's inclusion of dental and vision care addresses often-overlooked women's health needs. Pregnancy affects oral health (gingivitis, tooth decay) requiring dental care. Vision changes during pregnancy may need eye examinations. Few competitors include these services in standard plans.

Best For: Women seeking comprehensive coverage beyond maternity, those needing dental and vision care, corporate employees, families wanting all-inclusive healthcare, women across different Nigerian cities.

Avon HMO - Modern Women's Healthcare

Coverage Highlights:

• Generous coverage limits

• Modern communication and customer care

• Maternity coverage in premium tiers

• Wide hospital network

• Digital-friendly processes

• Family packages available
  
  

Plans Available:

• Individual plans: Various tiers available

• Family coverage packages

• Corporate group plans

• Maternity-inclusive premium plans

Pricing: Competitive pricing with higher coverage limits than many competitors.

Why Consider Avon:

Avon HMO's modern approach resonates with millennial and Gen Z women who expect seamless digital experiences. Their easily understandable plan structures eliminate confusion typical with traditional HMO policies. Transparent communication about what's covered, claim processes, and hospital networks reduces frustration when seeking care.

Avon's customer care culture prioritizes responsive support crucial when pregnant women need quick answers about coverage, hospital approvals, or emergency situations. Their generous coverage limits provide security knowing expensive delivery complications won't exceed policy maximums leaving you with large bills.

The company's focus on working professionals aligns with career-minded women balancing jobs with family planning. Avon understands modern Nigerian women's needs for flexible, reliable healthcare that doesn't complicate already busy lives.

Best For: Millennial and Gen Z women, working professionals, women wanting modern digital experience, those prioritizing customer service, career-minded mothers balancing work and family.

Reliance HMO - Digital-First Women's Health

Coverage Highlights:

• Digital-first platform

• Free telemedicine consultations

• Maternity coverage in higher tiers

• Red Beryl plan popular with young women

• Fast claim processing

• Flexible monthly payments (₦3,500/month basic plan)
  
  

Plans Available:

• Basic individual: Monthly payment options available (confirm current pricing and annual equivalent with provider).

• Higher tiers with maternity coverage

• Small business plans (under 20 employees)

• Family packages

Pricing: Flexible monthly payments starting ₦3,500 making healthcare accessible to younger women.

Why Consider Reliance:

Reliance HMO's monthly payment option (₦3,500) removes the barrier of large upfront annual premiums preventing many young women from getting health insurance. This pay-as-you-go approach suits students, early-career professionals, and women with limited disposable income who need healthcare coverage but can't afford ₦40,000-₦100,000 annual payments.

The free telemedicine feature proves invaluable for women seeking reproductive health advice, pregnancy questions, or general health consultations without clinic visits. This convenience particularly benefits working mothers, women in remote areas, or those managing chronic conditions requiring frequent medical guidance.

Best For: Young professionals, students, women with limited budgets, tech-savvy users, those preferring monthly payments, women needing telemedicine access, working mothers wanting convenient care.

Anchor HMO - Dedicated Maternity Plans

Coverage Highlights:

• White-Lily Maternity Benefit Plan: Specialized maternity-focused coverage (confirm current pricing and benefits with Anchor HMO).

• Welfare Basic Package: ₦24,000 annually

• Individual Robust Health Plan: ₦50,000 annually

• Inpatient and outpatient care

• Emergency services

• Specialized treatments

Plans Available:

• Maternal Robust Health White-Lily: ₦15,000 (dedicated maternity plan)

• Welfare Basic: ₦24,000 annually

• Individual Robust: ₦50,000 annually

• Various coverage levels

Pricing: Highly affordable specialized maternity plan at ₦15,000.

Why Consider Anchor:

Anchor HMO's White-Lily Maternity Benefit Plan at ₦15,000 represents one of Nigeria's most affordable dedicated pregnancy coverage options. For women specifically seeking maternity coverage without paying for extensive healthcare services they won't use, this focused plan provides excellent value. The ₦15,000 premium covers essential antenatal care, delivery, and immediate postnatal services.

This specialized approach works perfectly for healthy women whose primary insurance need is pregnancy-related care. Rather than paying ₦50,000+ for comprehensive plans with services they don't require, women can get targeted maternity protection at a fraction of the cost.

Anchor's tiered plan structure (₦15,000 maternity, ₦24,000 welfare basic, ₦50,000 robust) allows women to select coverage matching their specific health status and financial capacity. This flexibility enables strategic healthcare purchasing rather than one-size-fits-all policies.

Best For: Pregnant women needing dedicated maternity coverage, budget-conscious mothers, healthy women whose primary need is pregnancy care, those wanting specialized plans over comprehensive coverage.

Maternity Coverage Comparison

Coverage typically includes:

• Normal vaginal delivery

• Caesarean section (when medically necessary)

• Hospital accommodation

• Operating theatre charges

• Medications and supplies

• Newborn examination and care
  
  

Common exclusions:

• Elective caesarean sections (without medical need)

• Cosmetic procedures

• Private room upgrades (beyond plan tier)

• Pre-existing pregnancy complications (in some plans)

• Delivery at non-network hospitals
  

How Much Health Insurance Costs for Women

Health insurance plans for women in Nigeria vary based on coverage level, maternity inclusion, and provider:

Basic Plans (Without Comprehensive Maternity)

Annual Premium Range: ₦18,500-₦42,500 Coverage: Basic outpatient care, limited inpatient services, emergency care, consultations, basic laboratory tests. Maternity: Usually excluded or requires additional premium Best For: Young women not planning pregnancy, those needing basic coverage, very budget-conscious users

Standard Plans (With Maternity Coverage)

Annual Premium Range: ₦50,000-₦80,000 Coverage: Comprehensive outpatient and inpatient care, maternity services (antenatal, delivery, postnatal), newborn care, specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, emergency services. Maternity: Included with some waiting periods (typically 9-12 months) Best For: Women planning pregnancy within 1-2 years, families, working professionals

Premium Plans (Comprehensive Women's Health)

Annual Premium Range: ₦100,000-₦250,000+ Coverage: All standard coverage plus: higher coverage limits, premium hospital access, advanced diagnostics (MRI, CT scans), fertility treatments (some plans), dental and vision care, international coverage (some plans). Maternity: Comprehensive coverage with higher limits, shorter waiting periods Best For: High-income earners, women with complex health needs, those seeking premium facilities, corporate executives

Specialized Maternity Plans

Annual Premium Range: ₦15,000-₦30,000 Coverage: Focused on pregnancy-related care: antenatal visits, delivery services, postnatal care, basic newborn care. Maternity: Core focus of coverage Best For: Pregnant women or those planning immediate pregnancy, budget-conscious mothers, women needing only maternity coverage

Family Plans

Annual Premium Range: ₦150,000-₦400,000+ Coverage: Coverage for entire family (spouse, children), often includes maternity for wife, paediatric care for children, preventive care for all members. Best For: Married women with children, families wanting comprehensive coverage, households with multiple healthcare needs

Factors Affecting Cost:

• Age (older women pay higher premiums)

• Pre-existing conditions (may increase costs or require exclusions)

• Coverage level (basic vs. comprehensive)

• Hospital network (premium facilities cost more)

• Additional riders (dental, vision, international coverage)

• Payment frequency (monthly vs. annual)

How to Choose the Right Plan

Step 1: Assess Your Healthcare Needs

Determine your priority health concerns: planning pregnancy soon, managing chronic conditions, routine preventive care, family planning services, cancer screening needs, or general wellness.

Step 2: Consider Your Life Stage

Match coverage to your situation:

• Under 30, not planning pregnancy → Basic plans (₦20,000-₦40,000)

• 25-35, planning pregnancy 1-2 years → Standard with maternity (₦50,000-₦80,000)

• Currently pregnant or planning immediate pregnancy → Specialized maternity plans (₦15,000-₦30,000)

• 35-45 with family → Comprehensive family plans (₦150,000-₦400,000)

• 45+ requiring preventive screening → Premium plans with cancer screening (₦100,000+)

Step 3: Evaluate Hospital Networks

Verify your preferred gynaecologists and maternity hospitals are in-network, check network coverage in your city and areas you visit frequently, confirm availability of specialist women's health facilities, ensure emergency services accessible 24/7.

Step 4: Understand Maternity Waiting Periods

Most plans require 9-12 month waiting periods before maternity benefits activate. If planning pregnancy soon, enrol immediately to complete waiting period before conception. Some plans waive waiting periods for higher premiums.

Step 5: Compare Coverage Limits

Verify delivery coverage limits and ensure they align with current hospital costs and your preferred facility. Check if limits align with hospital costs in your preferred facilities. Confirm newborn care coverage duration (usually 30-90 days).

Step 6: Review Additional Benefits

Consider plans offering free cancer screenings (mammograms, Pap smears), telemedicine for convenient consultations, dental care (pregnancy affects oral health), mental health services (postpartum depression support), wellness programs and preventive care.

Step 7: Check Claims Process

Research claim settlement speed and efficiency, verify if hospitals offer cashless treatment (no upfront payment), understand documentation requirements for claims, check customer reviews on claims experience.

Step 8: Consider Financial Flexibility

Compare payment options: monthly instalments (easier on budget but may cost more overall), quarterly payments, annual lump sum (often discounted). Balance premium costs against coverage benefits.

nairaCompare Insight

Understanding HMO benefits for employees helps working women maximize employer-provided coverage by selecting plans with robust maternity and women's health services rather than focusing solely on premium costs.

The best health insurance in Nigeria for women balances three factors: adequate maternity coverage aligned with hospital costs, comprehensive gynaecological services including cancer screenings, and preventive care across life stages, comprehensive gynaecological services including cancer screenings, and preventive care supporting women's health across all life stages from reproductive years through menopause.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is health insurance?

Health insurance is a contract where an HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) covers your medical expenses in exchange for regular premium payments. You access healthcare at network hospitals without paying full costs out-of-pocket, protecting you from financial burden of illness or pregnancy.

Which health insurance is best for women in Nigeria?

Hygeia HMO offers premium maternity coverage with IVF options for women seeking comprehensive reproductive health services. AXA Mansard provides most affordable maternity coverage (₦12,000 for 6 months) ideal for budget-conscious women. Leadway Health balances comprehensive coverage with reasonable pricing.

Does health insurance cover maternity in Nigeria?

Not all health insurance plans cover maternity. You must specifically select plans including maternity benefits. Most HMO companies in Nigeria require 9-12 month waiting periods before maternity coverage activates, so enrol before planning pregnancy.

How much is health insurance for women in Nigeria?

Basic plans are typically lower-cost and may exclude maternity; confirm current pricing with providers. Standard plans with maternity range ₦50,000-₦80,000 per year. Specialized maternity plans cost ₦15,000-₦30,000. Premium comprehensive plans exceed ₦100,000 annually depending on coverage level and provider.

What does maternity coverage include?

Maternity coverage typically includes antenatal visits and scans, laboratory tests during pregnancy, normal vaginal delivery, caesarean section when medically necessary, hospital accommodation, postnatal check-ups, newborn care and vaccinations (usually first 30-90 days).

Can I get health insurance if I'm already pregnant?

Most HMO insurance plans exclude pregnancy if you're already pregnant when enrolling. Some providers offer maternity coverage for currently pregnant women but at significantly higher premiums or with delivery exclusions, covering only antenatal and postnatal care.

What are HMO benefits for employees?

Corporate health insurance schemes through employers typically offer lower premiums, group rates reducing individual costs, immediate coverage without waiting periods, family extension options, and often include maternity coverage automatically.

How do I choose the best HMO in Nigeria for women?

Compare maternity coverage limits and waiting periods, verify hospital network includes preferred gynecologists and maternity facilities, check inclusion of women's preventive services (cancer screenings, family planning), review customer service ratings, and balance premium costs against coverage benefits.

Conclusion

Nigeria's health insurance landscape now offers options across every price point, from ₦15,000 specialized maternity plans to comprehensive packages exceeding ₦200,000 annually. The barrier isn't availability but making informed decisions before healthcare needs become urgent. The 9-12 month waiting periods most providers impose on maternity coverage prove that health insurance works best as prevention, not emergency response.

Start with coverage matching your current life stage and financial capacity, then upgrade as your needs and income grow.

This is informational content and does not constitute medical or insurance advice. Health insurance coverage, premiums, and benefits vary by provider and individual circumstances. Verify current plan details, waiting periods, and hospital networks directly with HMO companies before enrolling.