VIDEO: Pregnant Woman Dies After Hospital Denies Treatment Over ₦500,000 Deposit – 5 Affordable HMOs in Nigeria That Could Prevent Such Tragedies

For decades, Nigerians have been recycling the same old issues and problems, ranging from electricity shortages (Up NEPA) to fuel price hikes and insecurity. Indeed, there is one thing the Nigerian government has received commendation for—the provision of access to healthcare facilities through the introduction of different Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) policies and centres. These initiatives have significantly benefited many working-class individuals, government workers, and private business owners. Narrowing it down to the Southwest, there is Ilera Eko in Lagos, OHIS in Osun, and NHIS for all Nigerians. However, according to statistics, only 5% of Nigerians are fully registered under NHIS health insurance scheme.

Following the recent viral video of a woman in labour accompanied by her husband, who, according to reports, lost her life because a private hospital refused to attend to them without a ₦500,000 deposit, many Nigerians have expressed their outrage. Some have blamed the government for failing to provide an efficient healthcare system, while others criticize the husband, questioning whether he was unaware of his wife’s pregnancy until she was about to deliver.

Here, I want to introduce you to five different affordable HMOs in Nigeria. While the country is struggling, one thing I know is that our government has primarily failed in governance and in creating a working system that ensures citizens have a stable, predictable day-to-day life. This is why those who are comfortable want to leave Nigeria, while those who are not comfortable want to “JAPA.” However, when it comes to insurance policies, HMOs, and financial strategies for wealth-building, Nigeria is relatively okay.

This brings us to HMOs in Nigeria and their costs. NHIS is a federal government health insurance provider that is quite affordable, with plans as low as ₦46,000 annually. Below is the essential information you need to know about HMOs in Nigeria:

1. National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) – A federal government health insurance provider The NHIS registration fee in Nigeria for the GIFSHIP individual plan for one to three persons is N66,450 annually, while the family plan for four persons is N88,600 annually.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the NHIS registration fees, based on information from various sources:
GIFSHIP (Group, Individual, and Family Social Health Insurance Programme):
Individual Plan (1-3 persons): N66,450 annually. Previously priced at N45,000.

• Family Plan (4 persons): N88,600 annually. Previously priced at N60,000.
• Group of 10 or more: N22,150 per person annually. Previously priced at N15,000.
• Extra dependents: N22,150 per person annually. Previously priced at N15,000.
  NBA-NHIA GIFSHIP (Nigerian Bar Association – NHIA GIFSHIP):
  Premium: N15,000 per subscriber annually.
• Other Programs:
  Voluntary Contributor Social Health Insurance Program (VCSHIP): N15,000 to register.
• National Mobile Health Insurance Program (NMHIP): N12,000 to register.
• NHIA ID Card Payment: Enrollees pay 1,500 Naira for the NHIA ID card.

2. Ilera Eko – A Lagos State Government health insurance program providing affordable healthcare for residents.

• * Ilera-Eko Higher Institution Plan 5,000.00 10,000.00
• * Standard Family – General Public 8,500.00 40,000.00
• * Ilera Eko Standard Plus Plan 15,000.00 70,000.00
• * Ilera-Eko Seniors Social Health Insurance Couples Plan 34,000.00 65,000.00
• * Ilera-Eko Diaspora Plan – NGN 71,190.00 353,490.00

3. Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS) – A state-driven initiative providing accessible healthcare for Osun State residents.

In Osogbo, an individual can enjoy a year of healthcare through the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS) for N12,066, while a family of six can get covered for a year with a family package costing N57,600.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• Individual Coverage: You can enjoy a year of healthcare for N12,066.
• Family Coverage (Family of Six): A family of six (father, mother, and four children under 18) can be covered for a year with the family package at N57,600.
•  OHIS bears at least 90% of healthcare costs, while the enrollee pays the remaining 10%.

4. AXA Mansard Health – A private HMO offering various flexible and affordable plans.

AXA Mansard offers various health insurance plans, with prices ranging from as low as

•  ₦12,000 for EasyCare (6 months) to ₦20,000 for EasyCare (yearly) and other plans like Flexi Benefits and International Health Plan.
• Here’s a breakdown of some of their plans and their approximate costs:
  EasyCare:

Premium/Individual/Year: ₦20,000

Premium/Individual/6 Months: ₦12,000

Region of Cover: Nigeria Flexi Benefits:

Premium/Individual/Month: ₦1,550

Premium/Individual/Quarter: ₦4,175

Premium/Individual/Year: ₦15,000

5. Hygeia HMO – One of Nigeria’s leading private health insurance providers, with cost-effective plans for different income levels.
Coverage type Monthly premium (NGN)

•  Med-Plus HMO Affordable 8,500
• Reliance HMO Personalized 11,000
• Universal Insurance HMO Competitive 9,500
• Blue Cross HMO Wide range of services 10,50

Why HMOs Matter

With only 5% of Nigerians fully subscribed to a health insurance plan, awareness and participation in these schemes are crucial. HMOs serve as a financial safety net against unforeseen medical expenses, ensuring that families do not suffer tragic losses due to a lack of funds.

While Nigeria continues to face governance challenges, progress has been made in health insurance accessibility. However, the responsibility lies on both the government to enhance awareness and individuals to take proactive steps in securing healthcare coverage. No one should have to lose a loved one due to an inability to afford medical care. Investing in an HMO today could be the key to preventing such tragic occurrences in the future.