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.
Avon Flex is Avon HMO’s digital-first health management app, serving as the main hub for managing one’s health plan. Through the app, users can track their medical history, view plan benefits, find nearby health facilities including dental and optical, and submit pre-authorisation requests for treatment even when they are out of town.
The app also allows members to buy or renew their health plan and offers personalized health tools such as quick medical check assessments, community support, and period tracking.
On the plan side, Avon offers several health insurance packages for individuals and families. Their most affordable individual plan is the Life Plus plan, which has an annual premium of N65,429.
Under Life Plus, policyholders are covered for general outpatient consultations, specialist consultations, lab investigations, and prescribed drugs up to N15,000. The plan also provides up to 20 days of inpatient admission in a general ward, including feeding, and covers 24-hour neonatal ICU care when applicable. Surgical procedures,including minor, intermediate, and major surgeries are covered up to N250,000 per person after a 12-month waiting period.
The health maintenance organization is accredited by the regulatory agency, NHIA, with a code number 63.
