Top 20 HMOs in Nigeria: Affordable Health Insurance 2024

Having to pay out of pocket during a medical emergency is something you don’t want to experience. It can drain one’s finances completely because no one exactly plans for a health crisis. We don’t know when we or our loved ones will fall sick, and when it occurs, the expenditure can be quite overwhelming.

Working as a doctor for the past year has taught me the importance of registering yourself and your family into a health insurance scheme in Nigeria. Individuals and families who are covered by medical insurance are often more comfortable during the treatment process. Some others have had to default from receiving medical care due to financial reasons, resulting in serious medical consequences.

If you and your family are currently not registered under a health insurance company, you might want to consider doing so today. And if you have decided to get covered but don’t know which Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) to register with, here you will see some top and affordable HMOs in Nigeria you can consider.

By the way, HMOs are private or semi-private organizations accredited by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to implement health insurance schemes, collect and manage premiums from subscribers, and act as intermediaries between the NHIS, healthcare providers, and beneficiaries.

Think of HMOs as the bus conductors who collect the money and organize how users utilize the services, while the NHIS is the bus station that sets the rules and ensures the steady operation of health insurance in the country.

Overview of Health Insurance in Nigeria

In Nigeria, health insurance has gone through several phases since its inception in 1999. Before this time, healthcare expenditure was mainly through out-of-pocket payments by individuals, with limited government support or formalized institutions. Philanthropists assisted in healthcare funding as they still do to this day, however, this was not sustainable or universally available within the country.

In 1999, the Nigerian government established the National Health Insurance Scheme under the National Health Insurance Scheme Act to provide universal health coverage and make healthcare more accessible and affordable to individuals, particularly those in the formal sector. This means a reduction in out-of-pocket payment for health services for those working in government and formal sectors, while individuals/families in the non-formal sectors were marginally excluded.

In the early 2000s, private health insurance companies began to emerge, offering health insurance plans to customers who could afford them. However, their plans were mostly limited in coverage and accessibility to a niche market of wealthier Nigerians and expatriates.

In the early 2010s, the rise of HMOs played a crucial role in the expansion of health insurance in Nigeria. They provided managed care services and health insurance policies to individuals, especially those in urban centers, with the aim of expanding insurance to individuals in the formal and informal sectors.

In 2022, the NHIS signed the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act into law, which mandates that all Nigerians, including those in the formal and informal sectors, have access to basic health insurance coverage within the country with the goal of achieving universal health coverage (UHC) by 2030.^[1]Accelerating the Implementation of the NHIA Act to Improve Health Insurance Coverage in Nigeria – Nigeria Health Watch

Reasons for Poor Insurance Coverage in Nigeria

Despite the regulation to legalize insurance for every and any person in Nigeria, insurance coverage has been persistently lower than expected. Till date, health insurance penetration has been estimated to cover only about 3-10% of the population, meaning up to 90% of the population are not covered by health insurance.^[2]90% of Nigerians not covered by health insurance, says Minister – Vanguard News^[3]How mandatory coverage set to enhance health care in Nigeria – Africa 2023 – Oxford Business Group^[4]Nigeria’s Health Transitions: Country’s Summary, 2021. Center for Policy Impact in Global Health^[5]12 Insurance Statistics in Nigeria You Should Know [Infographics] – Leadway Assurance Company Limited

Reasons outlined for the poor insurance penetrations in the country include the following:

• Limited awareness of health insurance policies and HMOs.
• Poor attitude towards health insurance, as many Nigerians find it hard to believe they would fall ill or ever need medical services.
• Perceived feeling of high premiums to pay, especially for many Nigerians that are already struggling to live.
• Inadequate government funding affecting coverage of insurance plans. Not all medical services are currently covered by basic plans.
• Logistic challenges in health accessing insurance services. Generating secondary clearance code during a medical emergency can be very strenuous for people who can afford the money out of pocket.
• Poor political involvement.

While more people are increasingly seeing a need to subscribe to a health insurance plan, the coverage is still low as you have seen. The above reasons are contributory.

Top 20 Health Management Organizations (HMOs) in Nigeria

Out of the over 61 HMOs registered and accredited by the NHIS today, here are the top 20 HMOs you should consider. Amongst the various criteria with which we can attempt to rank HMOs in Nigeria, we will use the following: available plans, technology/accessibility, network of hospitals, affordability and value for money, service quality, and range of healthcare plans.

These HMOs all have a coverage based on the specific plan selected. They may cover services like emergencies, admission fees, basic laboratory investigations, physiotherapy, NPI immunization, minor and major surgeries including Caesarian Section, antenatal care/normal deliveries, post-natal care, family planning, advanced investigations like CT-scan and MRI, gym entry services, etc., however, not all plans would support all of these services.

1. AXA Mansard HMO

AXA Mansard is a member of the AXA Group, a worldwide leader in insurance and asset management, with 149,000 employees serving 95 million clients in 50 countries. Their plans are widely inclusive, covering bills for hospital visits, vaccinations, medications, surgeries, laboratory tests, and so on.

• Healthcare plans: Retail health plan, EasyCare (Cheapest), and Corporate plan.
• Network of hospitals/clinics: 500+
• Cost: Starting at ₦12,000 for six months to ₦20,000 annually for basic plans.
• Service quality: Excellent
• Technology/accessibility: Mobile app available
• Portal: https://www.axamansard.com/health/easycare/

2. Reliance HMO

Reliance is another popular HMO service in Nigeria, featuring health plans across family and business worlds. Its office is located at 32 Lanre Awolokun St, Gbagada, Lagos State, and it offers affordable health insurance plans for Nigerians that covers admission fees, laboratory investigations, surgeries, and so on.

• Healthcare Plans: Family plan, Parents plan, and Business plan.
• Network of hospitals/clinics: 500+
• Cost: ₦3500 – ₦13,500 per month.
• Service quality: Excellent
• Technology/accessibility: Mobile app available, offer telemedicine services.
• Portal: https://getreliancehealth.com/nigeria/the-next-generation-hmo-quote/

3. Hygeia HMO

Hygeia is one of the oldest and most prominent HMOs in Nigeria, with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Although the company received its license from the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in 2005, it has been in existence since 1986. Its head office is located at ConSol House, ConSol Close, Block 2 Oshodi – Apapa Expressway, Lagos State.

• Healthcare Plans: Individual plan, Family plans, Maternity plans, SME group plans, Corporate plans.
• Network of hospitals/clinics: 1200+
• Cost: Starting at ₦4,600/month for the HyBasic Individual plan.
• Service quality: Satisfactory
• Technology/accessibility: Mobile app available
• Portal: https://hygeiahmo.com/

4. Avon Healthcare Limited

7. Leadway Health Limited

Leadway Health is another HMO that offers one of the best health insurance services in Nigeria. Their head office is located at 121/123, Funso Williams Avenue, Iponri, Surulere Lagos, and they have over 50 years of experience in the health insurance industry.

• Healthcare Plans: Individuals and family plan, small and large company plans, senior citizens plan.
• Network of hospitals/clinics: 1000+
• Cost: Starting at ₦70,000 annually for the Strawberry Retail plan.
• Service quality: Satisfactory
• Technology/accessibility: Mobile app + telemedicine available.
• Portal: https://leadwayhealth.com/

8. Redcare Health Service Limited

Redcare HMO focuses on providing quality and affordable healthcare coverage for individuals, families, and corporate organizations. It is located at 41 Gbolade Adebanjo Street, Off Coker Road, Ilupeju. Lagos, Nigeria.

• Healthcare Plans: Corporate plans, Private plans, and Others.
• Network of hospitals/clinics: 600+
• Cost: Starting at ₦35,000 annually for the R-start plan.
• Service quality: Fair.
• Technology/accessibility: Mobile app available + telemedicine.
• Portal: https://redcarehmo.com/health-plans/

9. AIICO Multishield Limited

AIICO Multishield HMO is the HMO arm of AIICO insurance company which also covers other types of insurance plans. This HMO is one of the best and oldest in the health insurance industry, having started in 1997. The company’s head office is located at 322, Ikorodu Rd, Anthony Village, Anthony, Lagos.

• Healthcare Plans: Standard plan, Evacuation plan, Executive, Magnum, Executive, and Super Executive plan.
• Network of hospitals/clinics: 1800+
• Cost: Starting at ₦65,000 annually for the standard plan.
• Service quality: Fair
• Technology/accessibility: Telemedicine and mobile app available.
• Portal: http://www.aiicomultishield.com/

10. Greenbay HMO

With over twenty-five years experience in the industry, Greenbay HMO focuses on providing health insurance plans to individuals and corporate organizations. Their head office is currently located at 9 Odunuga St, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos.

• Healthcare Plans: Individual and Corporate plans.
• Network of hospitals/clinics: 800+
• Cost: Starting at ₦50,000 per head annually, or ₦150,000 per family for the basic private plan.
• Service quality: Fair
• Technology/accessibility: No telemedicine, no mobile app.
• Portal: https://greenbayhmo.com/

11. Clearline International Limited

Clearline International Limited HMO was incorporated in 1994 and duly registered with the NHIS to provide health insurance to individuals, corporate bodies, and institutions. Since then, they have been committed to upholding a culture of integrity, compassion, and accountability. With up to 10 regional presence, its head office is located at 290 Ikorodu Road, Obanikoro, Lagos 102216, Lagos.

• Healthcare Plans: Individual, Corporate plans, and Tertiary Institution Social Health Insurance plan.
• Network of hospitals/clinics: 2000+
• Cost: Starting at ₦5,000 annually for the Kia Kia telemedicine plan, and ₦50,000 for a basic Clear value plan with standard coverage.
• Service quality: Satisfactory
• Technology/accessibility: Telemedicine, mobile app available.
• Portal: https://clearlinehmo.net/

12. United Healthcare International Limited

United Healthcare International is one of the foremost Health Maintenance Organizations in Nigeria accredited to operate as both a private health insurance company and as a participant in the formal/informal sector of the Social health insurance program administered by the NHIS. Over the past two decades, they have established themselves as a reliable and trustworthy provider of health insurance coverage for individuals, families, and businesses, with an extensive network of over 2,000 hospitals and specialist centers across Nigeria.

• Healthcare Plans: Retail health plan, Corporate, International, and Travel plans.
• Network of hospitals/clinics: 2000+
• Cost: Starting at ₦48,000 annually for individual retail plan, and ₦198,000 annually for family retail plan.
• Service quality: Satisfactory
• Technology/accessibility: Telemedicine + mobile app.
• Portal: https://unitedhealthcare-ng.com/

13. LifeWORTH HMO

LifeWORTH HMO was established in 2014, focusing on providing healthcare to its clients. They are located at 175 Ikorodu-Ososun Rd, Palmgrove, Lagos.

• Healthcare Plans: Individual, Couple, Family, Corporate, Community, and Platinum Private/International plans.
• Network of hospitals/clinics: 2500+
• Cost: Starting at ₦59,508 annually for the individual Life Blue plan, and ₦267,786 for the family Life Blue plan.
• Service quality: Satisfactory
• Technology/accessibility: Telemedicine, mobile app available.
• Portal: https://lifeworthhmo.com/

14. MetroHealth HMO

MetroHealth HMO is another leading HMO that offers unparalleled comprehensive primary, secondary, and tertiary health insurance services across the country. It was registered in 2013 and currently has over 1,000 healthcare partners. Its head office is located at the 14th Floor, St. Nicholas House, 26 Catholic Mission St, Lagos Island, Lagos.

• Healthcare Plans: Individual, Couples, Family, Business, Organization plans.
• Network of hospitals/clinics: 1000+
• Cost: Starting at ₦130,000 annually for the MetroMidi family plan covering up to a maximum of 19 persons.
• Service quality: Excellent
• Technology/accessibility: Telemedicine, mobile app available.
• Portal: https://www.metrohealthhmo.com/

15. Total Health Trust Limited

Total Health Trust (THT) is one of Nigeria’s leading HMOs. It was founded in 1997 and commenced operation in 1998. With over 25 years of experience, THT has one of the largest networks of independent service providers with over 1200 private and more than 5000 NHIS-accredited clinics and hospitals throughout the country.

THT offers affordable and reliable insurance services to its over 300,000 customers, including 500 corporate clients and government institutions. Its head office is located at Marconi Rd, Onipanu, Lagos.

• Healthcare Plans: Individual, Family, and Corporate plans.
• Network of hospitals/clinics: 6,200+
• Cost: Quote available on request
• Service quality: Fair
• Technology/accessibility: Mobile app available + Telemedicine
• Portal: https://www.libertyhealth.net/nigeria/en/

16. HCI Healthcare

HCI Healthcare is one of the foremost HMOs commenced in 1997 and was among the first batch of eight HMOs signed in by the NHIS Act that year. Its head office is located at 296 Herbert Macaulay Way, Sabo-Yaba, Lagos. HCI is committed to becoming the best HMO in Africa with a focus on delivering quality healthcare services efficiently to all its customers and healthcare partners.

• Healthcare Plans: Retail, Corporate, School plan, Informal sector plan, Senior citizens plan, and International plan.
• Network of hospitals/clinics: 1,500+
• Cost: Quote available on request
• Service quality: Fair
• Technology/accessibility: Mobile app available + Telemedicine
• Portal: https://www.hcihealthcare.ng/

17. Anchor HMO

Anchor HMO focuses on providing easy access to quality health services for individuals and corporate entities. They have several health plans that cater to various segments of the society. Their head office is located at Express Road, Goldcrest Plaza, Lekki – Epe Express Way, Lekki.

• Healthcare Plans: Retail, Corporate, Third-Party Administration plans, and Customized Health plan.
• Network of hospitals/clinics: 900+
• Cost: Starting at ₦50,000 annually for the Welfare Retail plan.
• Service quality: Satisfactory.
• Technology/accessibility: Mobile app available + Telemedicine
• Portal: https://anchorhmo.com/

18. Integrated Healthcare Limited

Integrated Healthcare is a result-oriented HMO with flexible and affordable health plans and is committed to better customer satisfaction.

• Healthcare Plans: Individual, Family, Corporate, Formal Sector, Tertiary Instititution, and Community-Based Social Insurance Plans.
• Network of hospitals/clinics: 1,600+
• Cost: Quote available on request.
• Service quality: Fair.
• Technology/accessibility: Mobile app available + Telemedicine
• Portal: https://integratedhealthcareltd.com/

19. Sterling Health HMO

Sterling Health MCS is a Health Maintenance Organization established in 2006, with affordable and quality healthcare services. They are located at Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos.

• Healthcare Plans: Retail, Corporate, Third -Party Administration plans, and Customized Health plan.
• Network of hospitals/clinics: 5000+
• Cost: Quotes available on request.
• Service quality: Fair.
• Technology/accessibility: Mobile app available + Telemedicine
• Portal: https://sterlinghealthmcs.com/

20. Defence Health Maintainance Limited HMO

Defense Health Maintenance Limited is a corporate entity owned by the Nigerian Ministry of Defence and the Nigerian Armed Forces. It boasts over twelve years in managed care and has offices in 23 states of the Federation. It provides health insurance to individuals and families of those in the Nigerian force.

• Healthcare Plans: Individual, Family, Corporate, Formal Sector, Tertiary Instititution, and Community-Based Social Insurance Plans.
• Network of hospitals/clinics: 2,200+
• Cost: Available only to members of the force and their households.
• Service quality: Satisfactory
• Technology/accessibility: Mobile app available + Telemedicine
• Portal: https://www.dhmlnigeria.com/about-dhml/

Most Affordable Top HMOs

Here is a simple list of the most affordable HMOs from the list above.

1. Reliance HMO: ₦3,500 – ₦13,500 per month
2. Hygeia HMO: Starting at ₦4,600/month
3. AXA Mansard HMO: ₦12,000 for six months or ₦20,000 annually for the EasyCare plan.
4. Avon Healthcare Limited: Starting at ₦27,500 annually.
5. Hallmark HMO: Starting at ₦30,000 annually for the Zircon plan.
6. Novo Health Africa: Starting at ₦30,000 annually.
7. Redcare Health Service Limited: Starting at ₦35,000 annually for the R-start plan.
8. United Healthcare International Limited: Starting at ₦48,000 annually for the individual retail plan.
9. Greenbay HMO: Starting at ₦50,000 annually per head for the basic private plan.
10. Anchor HMO: Starting at ₦50,000 annually for the Welfare Retail plan.

Top HMOs with the Best Value for Money

This list will be based on the comparism between cost of premium vs network of hospitals, service quality, and availability of mobile app + telemedicine.

1. Reliance HMO

• Cost: ₦3,500–₦13,500 per month (₦42,000 annually at minimum).
• Network of hospitals: 500+
• Service quality: Excellent (noted for swift service and digital innovation).
• Technology/accessibility: Mobile app available, telemedicine services offered.
• Value for Money: Offers affordable plans, a decent hospital network, and excellent tech features.

2. Hygeia HMO

• Cost: ₦4,600/month (₦55,200 annually for HyBasic).
• Network of hospitals: 1,200+ (largest among low-cost plans).
• Service quality: Satisfactory.
• Technology/accessibility: Mobile app available.
• Value for Money: Great for its wide hospital network, despite moderate service quality.

3. AXA Mansard HMO

• Cost: ₦20,000 annually for EasyCare plan.
• Network of hospitals: 500+
• Service quality: Excellent.
• Technology/accessibility: Mobile app available.
• Value for Money: Affordable and reliable for quality service; however, its hospital network is smaller than Hygeia’s.

4. Avon Healthcare Limited

• Cost: ₦27,500 annually (basic plan).
• Network of hospitals: 700+
• Service quality: Satisfactory.
• Technology/accessibility: Mobile app available.
• Value for Money: Reasonable cost with a fair balance between service quality and coverage.

5. Hallmark HMO

• Cost: ₦30,000 annually for Zircon plan.
• Network of hospitals: 1,000+
• Service quality: Satisfactory.
• Technology/accessibility: Mobile app available.
• Value for Money: Higher cost justified by a larger hospital network.

6. Novo Health Africa

• Cost: ₦30,000 annually.
• Network of hospitals: 2,000+
• Service quality: Satisfactory.
• Technology/accessibility: Mobile app available.
• Value for Money: Exceptional for hospital network size, though service quality isn’t top-tier.

7. Redcare Health Service Limited

• Cost: ₦35,000 annually.
• Network of hospitals: 600+
• Service quality: Fair.
• Technology/accessibility: Mobile app + telemedicine available.
• Value for Money: Balanced but slightly overpriced for the number of hospitals.

8. United Healthcare International

• Cost: ₦48,000 annually for the individual retail plan.
• Network of hospitals: 2,000+
• Service quality: Satisfactory.
• Technology/accessibility: Mobile app + telemedicine.
• Value for Money: Strong network but higher cost compared to Novo Health.

9. Greenbay HMO

• Cost: ₦50,000 annually.
• Network of hospitals: 800+
• Service quality: Fair.
• Technology/accessibility: No telemedicine or mobile app.
• Value for Money: Lags behind competitors offering better accessibility at similar prices.

10. Anchor HMO

• Cost: ₦50,000 annually for Welfare Retail plan.
• Network of hospitals: 900+
• Service quality: Satisfactory.
• Technology/accessibility: Mobile app + telemedicine.
• Value for Money: Competitive, thanks to tech features.

11. LifeWORTH HMO

• Cost: ₦59,508 annually.
• Network of hospitals: 2,500+ (largest network).
• Service quality: Satisfactory.
• Technology/accessibility: Telemedicine + mobile app.
• Value for Money: Higher cost justified by unparalleled network coverage.

Best Overall Value: Reliance HMO

Best Network Coverage: LifeWORTH HMO

Budget-friendly with Tech/Access: Hygeia HMO

Factors To Consider When Choosing a HMO in Nigeria

Before you choose with HMO to use for your health insurance in Nigeria, there are some factors you need to consider. In addition to the above reviews, getting first hand review from someone who currently uses any of the HMOs you are considering can be helpful. But if you can’t find any such person, here are some objective factors to consider.

1. Your budget: Very importantly, you need to be consider your financial capability before choosing any HMO. It is best to determine the annual cost of the insurance to see that it is pocket-friendly relative to your salary. Whether cheap of expensive, any health insurance plan you subscribe to will save you a lot of money in the case of a medical emergency.
2. Ease of access: You need to consider how easy making and resolving claims can be for any health management organization of your choice. Some HMOs make it very hard to resolve a claim which adds to the stress while you or your relative is on hospital admission. The availability of a mobile app reduces the number of paper work and running around you need to do, and this is one important factor you need to consider.
3. Hospital coverage: The more the number of hospitals and clinics a HMO covers, the better. That way, you can access your health insurance with ease in any state you are in the event of a medical emergency.