Health insurance in Nigeria is no longer a luxury — it’s becoming a necessity.
Medical bills are rising, incomes are unstable, and less than 5% of Nigerians currently have any form of health insurance. That means millions are one illness away from wiping out their savings.Healthcare costs have surged by 35–60% in the last three years. Out-of-pocket spending now accounts for 70%+ of all health expenses in Nigeria.
This means:
One hospital admission can cost ₦80k–₦300k
A surgery can run into ₦400k–₦2 million+
Specialist care and diagnostics are more expensive than ever
Health insurance protects you from these unpredictable costs — giving you affordable access to quality healthcare without fear of financial setbacks.
Nigeria’s health insurance ecosystem currently works through two major providers and channels:
Covers formal sector workers
Often employer-led
Increasingly integrating informal-sector coverage
Regulated by the federal government
Growing adoption through state health schemes
These serve:
Individuals
Families
SMEs
Large corporations
They provide healthcare through approved hospitals and clinic networks. HMOs offer multiple plan tiers — from basic to premium.
Top 10 Health Insurance Plans in Nigeria in 2025
These are the most reliable, widely accepted, and best-rated health insurance providers in Nigeria for 2025. Rankings consider affordability, hospital access, customer experience, coverage limits, digital support, emergency care, and value for money.
Reliance HMO consistently ranks as one of the fastest-growing health insurance providers in Nigeria because of its digital-first approach, responsive customer support, and extremely flexible plans. The Red Beryl plan has become a favourite for young professionals, students, and SMEs looking for reliable coverage without high premiums.
With a network of thousands of hospitals across Nigeria and features like free telemedicine and gym sessions, Reliance offers strong value for its price — especially for everyday healthcare needs.
Key Benefits:
Coverage up to ₦2 million
2,000+ partner hospitals
Free telemedicine
Weekly gym sessions
Surgeries up to ₦150,000
Very easy to use through the mobile app
Best for:
Individuals, freelancers, students, and small business owners.
AXA Mansard is one of the most trusted insurers in Nigeria and globally. The EasyCare plan targets Nigerians who want essential coverage at a low entry price with the reassurance of AXA’s established infrastructure. The plan is known for its ease of use, availability in over 1,000 hospitals, and flexible payment structure, making it ideal for first-time subscribers to health insurance.A budget-friendly plan with a strong nationwide presence.
Key Benefits:
Care for common illnesses
Hospital consultations
Access to 1,000+ hospitals
24/7 customer support
Flexible payment options
Best for:
Budget-conscious users, first-time HMO subscribers, and low-income earners.
Hygeia is widely regarded as one of the most reputable HMOs in Nigeria, with decades of consistency. Their plans appeal to families, individuals, and senior citizens because of broad hospital access and predictable service delivery.
Hygeia’s strong claim processing system and longevity in the market make it a go-to for Nigerians who prefer a traditional, well-established healthcare provider.
Key Benefits
Massive hospital network
Plans for individuals, families, and seniors
Fast customer support
Automated systems for seamless access
Best for:
Families, older adults, and users prioritising stability and nationwide reach.
Avon HMO stands out for its modern communication, customer care culture, and easily understandable plan structure. Their plans offer generous coverage limits compared to many competitors and cater to both individuals and corporate groups.
Avon has become popular among millennials and working professionals who want a balance between affordability and quality healthcare access.
Key Benefits:
Coverage: Up to ₦2.5 million
Basic plans with ₦800k coverage
Specialist care
300+ partner hospitals
NHIA accredited
Best for:
Working professionals, families, and corporate teams.
SUNU Health offers some of the most flexible plans for individuals and micro-businesses. The retail PEARL Plan is especially designed for Nigerians seeking an affordable but comprehensive health package that works nationwide.
Its strong emphasis on emergency care, specialist consultations, and broad drug coverage makes it one of the best mid-range options in the market..
Key Benefits:
Specialist consultations
Drug prescriptions
Nationwide emergency cover
Plans for multinationals and SMEs
Best for:
Informal sector workers, micro-businesses, families on a budget.
Gold Plan up to ₦12 million annually
International treatment & evacuations
Maternity, dental & optical
Annual checkups & vaccinations
Best for:
Executives, high-income earners, and those seeking premium or international coverage.
THT has provided managed healthcare in Nigeria for over two decades and remains one of the most trusted names among big organisations and institutions.
The Alldo Plan offers predictable and wide-ranging care — from primary consultations to surgeries and telemedicine — at a competitive price point.
Key Benefits:Wide hospital network
Primary to tertiary care coverage
Telemedicine services
Consistent service since 1998
Best for:
Families, salaried workers, and organisations seeking stable coverage.
Nationwide provider network
NHIA licensed
Emphasis on affordability
Plans for individuals and organisations
Best for:
SMEs, startups, young individuals, and budget-focused users.
Low-cost annual plans
Strong hospital partnerships
Family-friendly options
Customer-first service
Best for:
Students, low-income earners, and first-time HMO subscribers.
Clearline has been in the HMO industry for years and maintains one of the largest hospital networks in Nigeria. The provider offers various personal and family plans and has built a reputation for reliability and stability.
The KiaKia telemedicine plan is also one of the most widely used low-cost digital options for everyday healthcare needs.
Key Benefits:Personal plans starting at ₦50,000
KiaKia Telemedicine Plan (₦5,000)
2,000+ partner hospitals
Corporate and individual plans
Best for:
Families, corporations, and users are seeking large hospital networks.
| HMO Provider | Starting Price (Annual) | Coverage Limit | Hospital Network Size | Key Benefits | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reliance HMO – Red Beryl Plan | ₦38,650/year | ₦1.2 million | 2,000+ hospitals | Telemedicine, gym sessions, and surgery cover | Students, individuals, SMEs |
| AXA Mansard – EasyCare | ₦20,000/year | Basic care limits | 1,000+ hospitals | 24/7 support, flexible payments | Budget users, first-timers |
| Hygeia HMO | From ₦35,000/year | Varies (Basic–Executive) | 1,500+ hospitals | Specialist care, senior plans | Families, older adults |
| Avon HMO | From ₦27,500/year | Up to ₦2.5 million | 300+ hospitals | Strong customer care, specialist access | Professionals, families |
| SUNU Health – Retail PEARL | ₦46,904/year | Mid-range coverage | 1,000+ hospitals | Emergency cover, drug prescriptions | Informal workers, micro-businesses |
| Leadway Health | From ₦100,000/year | Up to ₦12 million | 1,200+ hospitals | International care, premium benefits | High-income earners, executives |
| THT (Total Health Trust) – Alldo | ₦44,600/year | Mid–high coverage | 1,000+ hospitals | Telemedicine, wide access | Families, salary earners |
| HCI Healthcare – Titanium | ₦35,000/year | Standard coverage | 800+ hospitals | Affordable, NHIA-licensed | SMEs, startups |
| WellHealth | ₦18,500/year | Basic coverage | 600+ hospitals | Very affordable, family options | Low-income earners, students |
| Clearline HMO | From ₦50,000/year | High coverage | 2,000+ hospitals | Telemedicine (KiaKia), a wide network | Families, corporations |
Wide Hospital Network → Reliance HMO, Clearline, AXA
Cheapest Price → WellHealth, AXA EasyCare
Best for Families → Avon HMO, Reliance HMO
Best for Maternity → Leadway Health, Hygeia
Premium Care & High Limits → Leadway Health
Telemedicine-First Plans → Reliance HMO, Clearline KiaKia Plan
Most individuals pay between ₦20,000 and ₦60,000 per year, depending on coverage, hospital network, and provider. Premium plans can go above ₦100,000 yearly.
Basic plans: Usually NO, or require a waiting period (30–90 days).
Premium plans: Often YES, with higher limits and specialist access.
Always check the plan brochure to confirm.
No, you can only use hospitals within the approved provider network.
This is why network size matters.
Some basic plans: No
Mid-range plans: Partial cover
Premium plans: Full maternity, antenatal, postnatal
If you’re planning a pregnancy, go for Leadway, Avon, or Hygeia premium tiers.
Yes. Coverage depends on your plan tier:
Budget plans: Up to ₦100k–₦150k
Mid-range plans: Up to ₦300k–₦800k
Premium plans: Up to ₦1m–₦5m+
Use your HMO’s mobile app (Reliance, Avon, Leadway)
Visit the HMO’s hospital directory online
Call customer support
Ask the hospital directly
Most plans include:
ER consultations
Stabilisation
Ambulance (in premium tiers)
Emergency evacuation (Leadway, Hygeia premium)
Yes — but upgrades may require:
Waiting periods
Medical examinations
Additional payments
Your plan may be:
Suspended
Temporarily inactive
Or downgraded
Reliance is the most flexible with grace periods.
Yes. Hygeia and Avon offer senior citizen plans ideal for parents aged 55+.
Choosing the best health insurance plan in Nigeria in 2025 comes down to three things: cost, coverage, and access to quality hospitals. With the right information, you can avoid overpriced plans, long waiting times, and unexpected exclusions. It is also helpful for those in Diaspora.
Use this guide as your starting point, compare the top HMOs, and select a plan that aligns with your medical needs and budget.
We’re constantly improving how you compare, choose, and manage your financial decisions — from health insurance to investments. As Nigeria’s financial landscape evolves, we’re building tools that simplify the complex, cut through misinformation, and put clarity at your fingertips.
When you need smarter, faster, and more personalised insights across insurance, loans, FX, savings, and investments — she’s your always-awake financial wingwoman. Maxella tracks the market, analyses options, and surfaces the best choices tailored to you.