Understanding the Health System in Nigeria

Nigeria's healthcare system is composed of both public and private healthcare providers. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens. The public healthcare system is known as the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Foreigners (expats and digital nomads) are allowed to use the public healthcare system in Nigeria, however, it is not typically used by foreigners. Public hospitals are not recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are often overcrowded and lack the necessary resources.

Nigeria's Public Healthcare System

Nigeria's public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens. The public healthcare system is known as the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). It provides access to basic healthcare services at a low cost. However, public hospitals are often overcrowded and lack the necessary resources, so they are not recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery.

Nigeria's Private Healthcare System

Nigeria's private healthcare system is composed of private hospitals and clinics that are funded by private individuals and organizations. Private healthcare is more expensive than public healthcare, but it is often of higher quality. Private hospitals are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are better equipped and have more resources.

Nigeria's Top Hospitals

Nigeria has several well-known hospitals, including:

• University of Benin Teaching Hospital (public, Benin City)
• Lagos University Teaching Hospital (public, Lagos)
• University College Hospital (public, Ibadan)
• Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (public, Lagos)
• University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (public, Enugu)
• Lagos University Teaching Hospital (public, Lagos)
• St. Nicholas Hospital (private, Lagos)
• Lagos University Teaching Hospital (public, Lagos)
• University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (public, Ilorin)
• University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (public, Port Harcourt)

Health Insurance Companies in Nigeria

The most popular private health insurers in Nigeria are HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations) such as Hygeia HMO, UBA Health, and Total Health Trust. Expats and digital nomads typically use these companies or specialized expat health insurance providers.

Insider Tips from Expats in Nigeria: How to Navigate the Health System

"Medical services in Nigeria vary greatly depending on the region. In some areas, there are well-equipped hospitals and clinics staffed by qualified medical professionals. In other areas, however, access to medical care is limited and the quality of care is often inadequate. Many Nigerians rely on traditional medicine and healers for their healthcare needs. The government has made efforts to improve access to healthcare, but there is still a long way to go," commented one member living in Nigeria.

"Nigeria's healthcare system is composed of both public and private services. Public healthcare services are provided by the government and are generally of lower quality than private services. The public healthcare system is largely underfunded and understaffed, leading to inadequate access to basic healthcare services. Foreign residents have limited access to the public healthcare system, as it is primarily intended for Nigerian citizens. Expats in Nigeria typically use private healthcare services, which are of higher quality than the public system. Private healthcare services are often more expensive than public services, but they provide more comprehensive care and better access to specialized treatments," commented one member living in Nigeria.