To access healthcare as a foreigner or diasporan visiting Nigeria, there are important facts you should know to ensure a safe, healthy, and enjoyable stay. Whether you are a Nigerian in the diaspora returning home for a visit or a foreigner exploring Nigeria for business, tourism, or relocation, one essential aspect to prepare for is access to healthcare. While Nigeria has a vibrant and growing healthcare ecosystem, navigating it as a non-resident or first-time visitor can seem overwhelming—especially in the event of an emergency or when you need routine medical services.
Nigeria’s healthcare system can be challenging for foreigners and non-resident Nigerians, making informational guide like this article essential. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about accessing healthcare in Nigeria as a diasporan or foreigner, from understanding the health system to using digital tools like MyMedicalBank to book care easily.
Understanding the Nigerian Healthcare System
Nigeria’s healthcare system operates through a mix of public and private providers. There are over 42,000 hospitals and clinics across all 774 local government areas of Nigeria:
- Public Hospitals and Clinics: These are owned by the federal, state, or local governments and are usually more affordable. They are also available to the general public including foreigners, however, they can be crowded and may have longer waiting times.
- Private Hospitals and Diagnostic Centers: These are funded by private individuals and organisations and offer more personalised services, shorter waiting times, and access to more modern equipment, but they tend to be far more expensive. Private hospitals are recommended for serious medical emergencies and major surgery, as they are better equipped and have more resources required to deliver more comprehensive care and specialized treatments.
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Nigeria also has a growing digital health sector that allows people to access healthcare services online or at home, which is especially beneficial for travelers unfamiliar with local medical infrastructure.
Paying for Healthcare in Nigeria
The high cost of private healthcare makes it inevitable to take up health insurance as paying out of pocket can prove very costly including for foreigners, expats and non-resident Nigerians. Health insurance offers access to not only to quality healthcare in private hospitals but also specialist treatments, emergency care and medical evacuation.
As a visitor coming to Nigeria, you can either enroll for travel insurance or international health insurance from insurance providers in your country of residence or Health Management Organisations (HMOs) licensed to offer health insurance in Nigeria. Some of the most popular HMOs in Nigeria include Hygeia HMO, UBA Health, Axa Mansard, Reliance HMO, and Total Health Trust. HMOs have a network of health facilities from where you can access healthcare services depending on your level of insurance cover and healthcare requirements.
You can equally pay out of pocket for certain healthcare services that are not traditionally covered by most health insurance plans like home care, patient escort, and telemedicine.
Types of Healthcare Services Available to Visitors
As a visitor, you can access a wide range of services in Nigeria, including:
- Consultations with general doctors or specialists
- Lab tests and diagnostics
- Pharmacy and prescription services
- Emergency care
- Homecare and telemedicine services
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Booking Medical Services with MyMedicalBank
When visiting Nigeria, a good place to start from in accessing healthcare is MyMedicalBank. MyMedicalBank is a leading digital health platform that makes it easier for anyone—especially visitors and diasporans—to access medical services across Nigeria. Here is how it helps:
1. Book Appointments with Doctors or Hospitals
Through the MyMedicalBank app or website, you can search for licensed healthcare providers in your area, view their services, and book appointments instantly—without needing to walk into a hospital.
2. Obtain Health Insurance from HMOs
Available on MyMedicalBank are accredited HMOs that offer various health insurance plans for foreigners visiting Nigeria.
3. Subscribe to Diaspora Health Package
The Diaspora Healthcare Package (DHP) is specially designed for Nigerians living abroad and foreigners visiting Nigeria. It provides peace of mind and easy access to healthcare services, helping users navigate the often complex Nigerian healthcare system while maintaining their health during their stay in the country. The package begins with a pre-travel video medical consultation (Telemedicine) for an initial assessment or a video medical consultation upon arrival.
4. Get Home Medical Care and Lab Tests from Home
Don’t want to sit in traffic or visit a lab in person? MyMedicalBank allows you to book lab tests and get samples collected at your hotel, residence, or Airbnb. This is especially helpful for health screenings, pre-travel tests, or follow-ups.
Not only that, through MyMedicalBank, you can book a doctor, nurse, physiotherapist or other professional therapists to attend to you in the comfort of your own place of residence or workplace.
What’s more, if you need patient escorts (to accompany you to medical appointments or in-patient admission) or trained caregivers to offer you personal care services during your stay, you can easily book these on MyMedicalBank as well.
5. Telemedicine Services
For minor ailments or consultations, you can chat with or talk to a doctor remotely on MyMedicalBank app through telemedicine—saving you time and avoiding exposure in hospital waiting rooms. This service is particularly useful if you’re staying in a remote area, short on time or have a medical condition that requires regular follow up that can be done virtually.
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6. Access Electronic Health Records
All your personal health records – clinic letters, test results, vaccination records, prescriptions, and insurance documents can be stored securely in your MyMedicalBank account before you travel to Nigeria or during your stay, so you can access them anytime or share with a doctor locally or back home.
What You’ll Need as a Foreigner or Diasporan
To access healthcare in Nigeria, you’ll generally need:
- A valid means of identification (international passport, Nigerian NIN, etc.)
- Cash or card for payment – Most facilities operate on a pay-as-you-go basis unless you have private health insurance.
- Travel health insurance – If you have travel insurance that covers international healthcare, check if the hospital accepts it.
- Local emergency numbers – Keep a list of nearby hospitals and emergency contacts.
Common Health Tips for Travelers to Nigeria
- Get vaccinated before arrival (Yellow Fever is mandatory; Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, and Malaria prophylaxis are highly recommended).
- Stay hydrated and be cautious with food/water sources.
- Use mosquito repellents and nets to prevent malaria.
- Purchase basic medications from reputable pharmacies (many are registered with NAFDAC and the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria).
- Register for free with a digital platform like MyMedicalBank to ensure fast, trusted care when needed.
Why Choose MyMedicalBank as a Visitor?
- Nationwide network of over 42,000 healthcare facilities
- Instant access to telemedicine and customer support
- Home service options for lab tests, doctor visits, and nursing care
- Transparent pricing and secure online booking
- Easy-to-use for both Nigerians abroad returning home and first-time foreign visitors
Final Thoughts
Accessing healthcare in Nigeria doesn’t have to be complex—especially when you’re supported by the right tools. Whether you are in Lagos, Abuja, Benin City, Port Harcourt, or a smaller town, MyMedicalBank helps you bridge the gap between your health needs and the local healthcare system.
So, if you’re planning a visit to Nigeria or are already here, make sure to download the MyMedicalBank app or visit www.mymedicalbank.com today to take control of your health and enjoy a worry-free stay.
Stay safe, stay healthy—no matter where you are.
If you are unsure on how to go about the process of accessing healthcare, you can book an online medical consultation in the first instance with any of the registered medical doctors available on MyMedicalBank app. Alternatively, reach out to MyMedicalBank via mymedicalbank.com/contact.
