Nigeria's self-employed population — estimated at over 85 million people including gig workers, freelancers, market traders, artisans, and sole traders — has historically been left out of the formal health insurance system. The NHIA is changing this, but many self-employed Nigerians still do not know they can access quality HMO cover without an employer. This guide shows you exactly how.
- Individual HMO plans — buy directly from any NHIA-accredited HMO without an employer
- NHIA Informal Sector (ISSHIP) — government-backed, subsidised in participating states
- Lagos LASHMA plans — Lagos residents can access subsidised plans from ₦10,000/year
- Family HMO plans — cover yourself, spouse, and up to 4 children under one premium
- Group plans via trade associations — some unions and associations offer collective rates
- Micro-health insurance — new products from fintechs like Hygeia Go, CoverPay for short-term cover
Individual HMO Plan Comparison — 2026
| HMO Provider | Basic Plan (p.a.) | Mid Plan (p.a.) | Premium Plan (p.a.) | Hospital Network | NHIA Accredited |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reliance HMO | ₦30,000 | ₦75,000 | ₦200,000 | 3,000+ hospitals | Yes ✓ |
| Hygeia HMO | ₦28,000 | ₦70,000 | ₦180,000 | 2,500+ hospitals | Yes ✓ |
| AXA Mansard Health | ₦40,000 | ₦90,000 | ₦250,000 | 1,800+ hospitals | Yes ✓ |
| Avon HMO | ₦25,000 | ₦60,000 | ₦150,000 | 2,000+ hospitals | Yes ✓ |
| Total Health Trust (THT) | ₦32,000 | ₦80,000 | ₦200,000 | 2,200+ hospitals | Yes ✓ |
| Songbird Health | ₦27,000 | ₦65,000 | ₦160,000 | 1,500+ hospitals | Yes ✓ |
| Clearline HMO | ₦29,000 | ₦68,000 | ₦170,000 | 1,800+ hospitals | Yes ✓ |
| Princeton HMO | ₦35,000 | ₦85,000 | ₦220,000 | 1,600+ hospitals | Yes ✓ |
What Individual HMO Plans Cover
| Benefit | Basic Plan | Mid Plan | Premium Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outpatient consultations | Yes ✓ | Yes ✓ | Yes ✓ |
| Drugs / pharmacy | Generic only | Yes ✓ | Yes ✓ (branded) |
| Inpatient / hospitalisation | Limited (3–5 days) | Up to 30 days | Unlimited |
| Surgery (elective) | Emergency only | Yes ✓ | Yes ✓ |
| Maternity (delivery) | No ✗ | Normal delivery | Normal + C-section |
| Dental care | No ✗ | Basic only | Full dental |
| Optical / eye care | No ✗ | No ✗ | Yes ✓ |
| Specialist consultations | No ✗ | Limited | Yes ✓ (unlimited) |
| Cancer treatment | No ✗ | No ✗ | Partial cover |
| Annual health check | No ✗ | Yes ✓ | Full executive check |
- Pre-existing conditions — most HMOs exclude pre-existing conditions for the first 12 months
- Hospital network — always confirm your preferred hospital is on the insurer's accredited list before buying
- Annual benefit limits — basic plans often have low annual caps (e.g., ₦500,000 total benefit) that can be exhausted quickly
- Waiting periods — new enrollees typically wait 90 days before accessing certain benefits like surgery and maternity
- Renewal loading — if you make claims, some HMOs increase your premium at renewal
- Start with a mid-range plan (₦60,000–₦90,000/year) — basic plans have too many gaps
- Confirm your regular hospital or specialist is on the network before choosing an HMO
- Enrol the whole family at once — family plans offer 10–20% savings over individual enrolment
- Pay annually upfront — monthly payment options often cost 10–15% more overall
- Check if your trade association offers a group rate — savings can be 20–30% versus individual
- Set up a medical emergency fund of ₦200,000–₦500,000 alongside your HMO for gaps and exclusions
Compare individual HMO plans from all NHIA-accredited providers — no employer required.
Compare Individual HMO Plans →Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer: CompareMarket NG is an independent comparison service. Information is verified against regulatory databases (NAICOM, CBN, FCCPC, NDIC, NERC, NCC) and updated regularly, but rates and products change frequently. Always verify current terms directly with the provider before making a financial decision. This is not financial advice.
