For this 2026 ranking of the best travel insurance in Nigeria, we evaluated each insurer based on the factors that matter most to travellers—especially those applying for visas.
Note: This is an editorial, feature-based ranking for 2026 — not investment advice. Exact premiums depend on travel destination, age, policy type, and duration.
Leadway – Travel Insurance Plan (Rank #1)
AXA Mansard – Travel Insurance (Rank #2)
Mutual Benefits – Travel Insurance (Rank #3)
AIICO – Travel & Visa Insurance (Rank #4)
NEM – Travel Health Insurance (Rank #5)
Heirs General Insurance – Travel Insurance (Rank #6)
Below is a breakdown of why each insurer ranks where it does:
Leadway’s travel insurance continues to stand out in 2026 for combining broad global coverage, fast issuance (important for Schengen and UK visas), and reliable emergency support through international assistance partners.
Medical expenses coverage up to €30,000–€50,000+, depending on plan (Schengen-compliant).
Emergency medical evacuation & repatriation included.
Loss of baggage, personal belongings & passport.
Flight delay and trip cancellation benefits.
24/7 worldwide emergency assistance.
Quick digital purchase — certificate delivered instantly by email.
One of the most embassy-trusted travel insurance brands in Nigeria.
Fast, reliable claims and emergency partner network.
Very strong digital experience and customer education resources.
Strong global partnership footprint, especially for Europe and North America.
Travellers who want maximum reliability and embassy-trusted documentation for Schengen, UK, UAE, US, and Canada.
AXA Mansard offers some of the most globally recognised travel insurance products in Nigeria, backed by AXA’s international network. Their plans are versatile, especially for frequent travellers.
Medical cover up to €30,000–€100,000 depending on plan.
Strong worldwide assistance network through AXA partners.
Flight delay, cancellation, baggage loss, and missed connection.
Multi-trip annual plans for business travellers.
Family and group plans are available.
Fast digital purchase and PDF certificate download.
AXA’s global brand increases embassy and airline acceptance.
Very good for frequent travellers needing multi-trip cover.
Strong digital portal and mobile experience.
Frequent travellers, families, and business travellers need comprehensive protection.
Mutual Benefits shines because of its affordable pricing, good basic coverage, and partnership with established international assistance companies.
Schengen-compliant cover (≥ €30,000).
Medical evacuation and repatriation.
Baggage and passport loss.
Travel delays and missed departure cover.
Very competitive pricing for short-term trips (3–14 days).
One of the most affordable among the big insurers.
Good for students, tourists, and first-time travellers.
Strong market presence and reliability.
Travellers who want affordable but embassy-compliant travel insurance.
AIICO offers strong travel insurance with good emergency assistance and flexible trip lengths.
Medical cover for emergency treatment abroad.
Emergency evacuation & repatriation.
Trip cancellation, baggage loss, and passport loss.
Flexible student, work-permit, and long-stay packages.
Schengen visa compliance assured.
Consistent in service quality and embassy acceptance.
Good for Nigerians relocating for school, work, or visiting long-term.
Students, long-stay travellers (60–365 days), and Schengen visa applicants.
NEM provides straightforward travel health policies with reliable embassy-accepted certificates, especially for short trips.
Emergency medical treatment abroad.
Evacuation & repatriation.
Limited baggage and delay benefits.
More basic, but affordable.
Reliable but not as feature-rich as Leadway or AXA.
Good pricing for 7–30 day trips.
Travellers needing simple, budget-friendly, embassy-accepted coverage.
Heirs offers modern, digital-first travel insurance with flexible plans tailored for younger travellers and short trips.
Emergency medical treatment & evacuation.
Loss of baggage & personal items.
Emergency support hotline.
Strong digital experience and fast issuance.
Newer compared to Leadway/AIICO/AXA with less global partnership history.
Best for travellers who prefer digital convenience and flexible pricing.
Younger travellers and people who prefer quick online purchases and a modern customer experience.
| Insurer | Medical Coverage | Delay Cover | Emergency Assistance | Digital Experience | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leadway | €30k–€50k+ | Yes | Strong global network | Excellent | ₦8,000–₦40,000+ |
| AXA Mansard | €30k–€100k | Yes | Strongest global footprint | Excellent | ₦10,000–₦45,000+ |
| Mutual Benefits | €30k+ | Yes | Good partners | Very Good | ₦6,000–₦30,000 |
| AIICO | Strong medical | Yes | Good global presence | Good | ₦8,000–₦35,000 |
| NEM | Basic medical | Limited | Standard | Good | ₦5,000–₦20,000 |
| Heirs General | Basic medical | Yes | Growing | Excellent | ₦5,000–₦18,000 |
When selecting travel insurance, consider these essential coverage components:
Covers emergency medical expenses, hospital stays, and doctor visits. Most Schengen countries require at least €30,000 of medical coverage.
Reimburses non-refundable trip costs if you need to cancel or cut short your journey due to covered reasons like illness or family emergencies.
Provides compensation for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and personal items during your travels.
Covers the cost of emergency medical transportation to the nearest adequate medical facility or back to Nigeria if necessary.
Offers 24/7 help with travel emergencies, including assistance with lost passports, legal referrals, and language interpretation services.
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Costs vary by trip length, destination, and plan type:
1. Short Trips (3–14 days): ₦5,000 – ₦15,000 (ideal for vacation, business, conferences)
2. Medium Trips (15–30 days): ₦12,000 – ₦30,000
3. Long Stay (1–6 months): ₦25,000 – ₦60,000
4. Student/Work Permit: ₦30,000 – ₦120,000 (coverage for 6–12 months)
Destination (Schengen is more expensive)
Age (older travellers pay more)
Duration of stay
Single vs multi-trip
Add-ons (sports, extended baggage, cancellation cover)
Many embassies and airlines verify electronically.
Go to the insurer’s verification/portal page.
Enter certificate number and passport details.
Confirm activation and policy validity.
Embassies frequently cross-check for authenticity, especially in Schengen states.
Tourism/business (short trips): Leadway, AXA, Mutual Benefits
Students/long-term travel: AIICO, AXA
Budget-friendly travellers: Mutual Benefits, NEM, Heirs
Schengen: Must have ≥ €30,000 medical cover (Leadway, AXA, Mutual Benefits)
UK/US/Canada: Higher medical limits preferred
UAE: Basic Schengen-level cover is usually accepted
Tight budget → Mutual Benefits, NEM, Heirs
Higher protection → Leadway, AXA, AIICO
Prefer a quick online purchase? → Leadway, AXA Mansard, Heirs General
Q: Is travel insurance compulsory for a Schengen visa?
Yes. Minimum €30,000 medical cover is required.
Q: Can I buy travel insurance online in Nigeria?
Yes — Leadway, AXA Mansard, AIICO, Mutual Benefits, NEM, and Heirs all allow digital purchase.
Q: What does travel insurance not cover?
Pre-existing conditions, illegal activities, risky sports (unless added as coverage).
Q: Can I extend my travel insurance?
Yes. Most insurers allow extension before expiry.
Q: Does travel insurance cover COVID-19-related issues?
Many insurers now offer COVID-19 coverage, but specific benefits vary. Always verify coronavirus coverage details before purchasing.
Q: Can I buy travel insurance if I've already started my trip?
While possible with some providers, it's best to purchase insurance before departure to ensure full benefits, especially trip cancellation coverage.
Q: How do I claim my travel insurance?
Contact your insurance provider immediately when an incident occurs, follow their claims process, and submit all required documentation promptly.
All six insurers in this ranking offer embassy-accepted, legitimate travel insurance plans — the real question is which fits your destination, risk level, and budget.
Choose Leadway or AXA Mansard if you want maximum reliability, strong global partners, and fast certificate issuance.
Choose Mutual Benefits if you want an affordable but Schengen-compliant option.
Choose AIICO for student, work permit, and long-stay travel.
Choose NEM or Heirs if you need simple, affordable protection and a quick digital experience.
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Safe travels — go prepared, protected, and confident.