The Vitality of Health Insurance in Nigeria

Introduction

Health insurance is an essential aspect of modern life that plays a crucial role in ensuring access to quality healthcare services. In Nigeria, the significance of health insurance cannot be overstated. With a growing population and increasing healthcare costs, having adequate health insurance coverage is becoming increasingly vital for individuals and families across the country.

Access to Quality Healthcare:

One of the primary advantages of health insurance in Nigeria is that it provides access to quality healthcare services. With the rising costs of medical treatments, health insurance helps individuals and families to afford necessary medical care without experiencing financial strain. It enables them to access a wide range of healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical practitioners. Health insurance coverage provides a safety net, ensuring that people can seek timely medical attention, preventive care, and necessary treatments without delay or financial burden.

Financial Protection:

Health emergencies and unexpected medical expenses can be financially devastating. Health insurance offers protection against such unforeseen events by providing coverage for hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and diagnostic tests. It helps individuals and families avoid the risk of being pushed into poverty due to exorbitant medical bills. By paying a regular premium, policyholders can safeguard themselves from significant financial setbacks and concentrate on their well-being, knowing that they are covered in times of medical need.

Promoting a Health-Conscious Society:

Health insurance also plays a critical role in promoting a health-conscious society. By having access to preventive care services, policyholders are encouraged to prioritize regular check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations. Insurance plans often offer wellness programs, which encourage healthy lifestyles and disease prevention through education and awareness. This focus on prevention not only leads to better overall health but also reduces the burden on the healthcare system by preventing the progression of illnesses to more advanced stages.

At OneHealthNG, we understand the importance of health insurance and we have created a service and app called Onewellness. The Onewellness was created to provide access, accountability, and adherence. Its purpose is to serve as a mobile hospital where enrollees can get health services from the comfort of their homes. Now, Onewellness has teamed up with health maintenance organizations (HMOs) to provide micro-insurance to individuals, small and medium enterprises, and corporate organizations. 

To enjoy insurance, you download the Onewellness app on Google Play Store or Apple Store. There are three plans you can enjoy on the Onewellness app. 

1. Freemium plans

• Pay as you order for medications and consultations
• Chat for free with a clinical pharmacist
• Medical reports
• Blog + Up to date articles
• Medication and refill reminders
• Share records with family members or healthcare professionals.

2. Standard plan- as low as 3000 naira every month

• 24/7 Unlimited online doctors consultations- Telemedicine
• Free Supply of drugs and medications recommended in the course of treatment.
• Free laboratory tests on some select tests.
• Hospital admission covers 30,000 naira only once per quarter.
• The maximum limit for outpatient: 50,000 naira
• The wait time for the plan to be activated is 7 days.
• The maximum age is 65 years.

3. Premium plan- 19,500 naira every month

• Inpatient limit= 1,000,000 naira (General ward, 30 days/annum), accidents and emergencies: resuscitative or life-saving initial treatment covered. 
• Surgeries covered= 250,000 naira
• Outpatient limit= 350,000

Hospital-based consultations with General practice doctors and medical officers.

Hospital-based consultations with specialists (up to 12 visits in a year)

• Telemedicine Unlimited 24/7
• Doctors Home visits
• Chronic disease and outpatient prescription medicines.
• Basic diagnostic test
• CT/MRI Scan (only 1 session)
• Ambulance services covered, 3 times per annum
• 100,000 naira in death and funeral expenses
• 30,000 naira Dental care
• ENT care is fully covered
• ENT care- ENT surgeries (covered up to surgery limit)
• Health checks- Basic tests, HIV, Blood sugar, ECG, PCV, Liver function test, Lipid profile and Pap smear, Prostate-specific antigen, Mammography.
• 30,000 naira optical care
• Lenses, frames, and contact lenses per annum
• Physiotherapy= 30,000 naira
• Age range= 51-85 years
• Waiting period= 2 weeks

Conclusion:

In Nigeria, health insurance is crucial for individuals and families to access quality healthcare services, protect themselves from financial distress, and promote a culture of wellness. As the country continues to develop and healthcare costs rise, the importance of health insurance in ensuring a healthy and secure future cannot be overlooked. It is an investment in both personal well-being and the overall growth of the nation.