Photo: GodwinPaya, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0Health insurance in Nigeria
NHIA, HMOs and state schemes
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Who does what
| Body | Role | Read |
|---|---|---|
| National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) | Regulates health insurance, runs federal programmes (federal workers, organised private sector, GIFSHIP) | NHIA |
| State health insurance agencies | Run each state's scheme (LASHMA in Lagos, FHIS in the FCT…), cover vulnerable people | State schemes |
| HMOs | Companies accredited by NHIA that manage enrollees and pay providers; also sell private plans | List of HMOs |
| Insurers | Some NAICOM-licensed insurers sell health and hospital cash covers | Insurance companies |
Who pays what
From NHIA's FAQ: in the formal sector, "10% of your basic salary will be paid by your employer while you will contribute 5% monthly, that is, 3.25% for employer and 1.75% for employee in a consolidated salary". The contribution covers the contributor, a spouse and four biological children under 18; further dependants can be added as extra dependants. Self-employed people, families and groups join through GIFSHIP: see NHIA registration.
Private health insurance on top
Section 14(3) of the NHIA Act lets anyone buy private health insurance, provided he or she also takes part in a state-mandated scheme. A private scheme must be a company accredited by the NHIA (section 15) and licensed (section 16). Compare HMO plans from the HMO's own documents: HMOs in Nigeria.
Already insured?
Next step
Frequently asked questions
Is health insurance compulsory in Nigeria?
Yes. Section 14 of the National Health Insurance Authority Act 2022 says every person resident in Nigeria shall be required to obtain health insurance, including employers and employees with five staff and above, informal sector workers and all other residents.
How much is NHIA contribution?
In the formal sector, 10% of basic salary from the employer and 5% from the employee (or 3.25% and 1.75% of a consolidated salary), according to NHIA's FAQ.
Is NHIS the same as NHIA?
NHIA replaced NHIS: the National Health Insurance Authority Act 2022 repealed the National Health Insurance Scheme Act (Cap. N42).
What is an HMO in Nigeria?
A Health Maintenance Organisation: a company accredited by the NHIA that manages enrollees' care and pays health providers. NHIA publishes the list. See HMOs.
Sources
- National Health Insurance Authority Act 2022 (Act No. 17, Official Gazette No. 95, Vol. 109, 24 May 2022) — NHIA gazetted copy
- NHIA — Frequently asked questions (contributions, dependants, complaints)
- NHIA — Accredited Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) (retrieved 31 October 2026)
- NHIA — State Social Health Insurance Agencies (SSHIAs) (retrieved 31 October 2026)
- NHIA — Registration requirements for GIFSHIP (Group, Individual and Family Social Health Insurance Programme)