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.
Redcare HMO runs a modern health-insurance service managed through its mobile app, where users can generate e-ID cards, check their eligibility, browse its list of over 600 partner hospitals nationwide, and access health tips and records.
They offer plans for individuals and families as well as corporate clients. Among their individual health plans, the most affordable is Red Edge, while the highest-tier plan is Diamond.
Across these plans, Redcare covers outpatient and inpatient consultations, radiology and lab diagnostics, minor surgeries, physiotherapy, prescribed medicines, immunizations, and chronic ailments.
They also support eye care, neonatal services, preventive care, and HIV-AIDS diagnosis and treatment via specialist centres. On the corporate side, Redcare’s plans include Silver, Ruby, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond.
These plans typically cover consultations, lab tests, prescribed medicines, hospital admission, emergencies, X-rays, chronic disease management, dental care, and even dialysis, depending on the tier.
The company is fully accredited under NHIS, having been incorporated in 2009 with a code number 65.
