For decades, Nigeria’s health‑insurance story has been defined by hope more than reach, but that is finally changing. With recent reforms and a growing number of Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs), access to structured healthcare is increasingly becoming less of a privilege and more of a right.
Currently, there are 83 NHIA‑accredited HMOs in Nigeria, although this number fluctuates based on the NHIA’s periodic review process. Enrollment under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) surged from 16.7 million to 19.2 million in just one year, a 40% increase that reflects growing trust in formal health‑insurance systems.
Yet, despite this growth, only a small fraction of Nigerians are enrolled in formal health plans. According to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), enrollment is still less than 10% of the population.
The HMO industry is responding to innovation. A growing number of health insurers are building mobile-first platforms that deliver plan management, claims, hospital directories, and telemedicine. These tech‑enabled models are not just modernizing the patient experience, they’re helping HMOs extend their reach and scale their operations efficiently.
At the same time, HMOs are navigating challenges. Escalating drug costs and tighter provider margins have forced many to raise premiums, testing the resilience of the sector. Nevertheless, these organisations remain essential intermediaries, ensuring that Nigerians can access both routine and emergency healthcare without bearing the full financial burden themselves.
Our methodology for assessing the top 10 HMOs for buying health insurance prioritizes firms with user-friendly mobile apps, broad health‑service coverage and consumer traction, measured in app downloads.
Based on those criteria, here are the top 10 HMOs for buying health insurance in Nigeria as of November 2025.
Phillips HMO is a prepaid health-management organisation accredited by NHIS, offering accessible healthcare through a blend of digital and in-person services. Their mobile app is the central point for users to generate e-ID cards, check eligibility, access hospital networks, and manage claims, giving members seamless access to care wherever they are.
Phillips HMO designs its plans to serve individuals, families, small and large enterprises, and associations. On the retail side, they offer several plan tiers, including the Access, Klassic, Ultra, Deluxe, and Royal plans, each providing different levels of coverage.
One of their most basic plans is the Access Plan, which is built for core outpatient services and inpatient stabilisation. The plan covers general and specialist consultations (including obstetrics, paediatrics, and general surgery), routine lab investigations, and essential medications.
Emergency services are included, with a limit of N30,000 per year. Admission coverage allows up to 10 days in a general ward, including feeding, nursing care, and prescribed drugs. It allows up to 10 days’ stay in a general ward with feeding and nursing, includes basic diagnostics (X-ray, ultrasound, ECG), but only emergency CT/MRI. Maternity and rare-specialist visits are limited, while neonatal SCBU care begins after 12 months. Dental and eye care start after 6 months, mental-health support after six months, and annual health screening after 9 months. Chronic-disease care opens after a 12-month waiting period, and surgery is capped at N50,000 per year once active
The health maintenance organization is accredited by the regulatory agency, NHIA, with a code number 88.
