Updated on August 30, 2023
Navigating the world of healthcare in Nigeria can be like navigating a maze. What does the NHIS cover in Nigeria exactly? And how can you easily check your NHIS status? These questions hold the key to unlocking quality healthcare without breaking the bank.
The National Health Insurance Scheme in Nigeria, which was created by the federal government of Nigeria to offer easy healthcare for all, covers Nigerian citizens.
These citizens must either be government employees, in the organised private or informal sector, children under five, permanently disabled persons and prison inmates.
However, less than 5% of Nigerians are covered by NHIS.
In this comprehensive guide, we’re your navigators, shedding light on the NHIS coverage landscape.
Whether you’re a student, an employee, or a family person, understanding your healthcare options is paramount. We’ll break down the scope of NHIS coverage, demystify the enrollment process, and provide you with clear steps to check your NHIS status effortlessly.
Your health matters, and with NHIS, you’re empowered to access vital medical services. Say goodbye to confusion – get ready to grasp the reins of your healthcare journey and make informed decisions for a healthier you.
See: Best HMO in Nigeria
What does NHIS Cover in Nigeria?
NHIS coverage and benefits in Nigeria include the following:
- Receive Outpatient care or treatment (that is, a treatment that does not require an overnight stay in a hospital or medical facility), including necessary drugs, injections, and drip.
- Receive prescribed drugs, pharmaceutical care as well and diagnostic tests.
- Receive maternity care for up to four (4) live births for every insured contributor/couple in the formal sector Program. Additional care is also available if any stillbirth occurs.
- All live births requiring covering or incubation will be incubated appropriately during the post-natal period of twelve (12) weeks from the date of delivery.
- All preterm/premature babies eligible for covering or incubation shall be covered for twelve (12) weeks from the date of delivery.
- Preventive care includes immunisation as it applies in the National immunisation program, Health Education, Family planning (counselling), antenatal and post-natal care, as well as adult immunisation against Human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis.
- Consultation with a specialist such as physicians, paediatrics, obstetricians, gynaecologists, general surgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, ENT, dental surgeons, radiologists, psychiatrists, ophthalmologists and physiotherapists, etc.
- Hospital care in a standard ward for a cumulative limited stay of 21 days per year.
- Eye examination and care, the provision of low-priced spectacles but excluding contact lenses.
- All ophthalmological cases can be handled at the primary level except those requiring tertiary care or on the exclusion list.
- A range of prostheses (limited to artificial limbs produced in Nigeria).
- Preventive dental care and pain relief (including consultation, dental Health education, amalgam filling and simple extraction).
- Root-canal treatment; Treatment is needed when an injury or a large cavity damages the tooth’s root (maximum of two treatments).
How to Check My NHIS Status
You can check your NHIS status in Nigeria using these steps:
- Dial *929# code on a mobile network in Nigeria
- Then, Select option 1
- Next, Select NHIS card
- Then Enter your NHIS membership card number
Benefits of NHIS
When you enrol in NHIS, here are the benefits that you’re eligible for:
- Outpatient care
- Preventive care
- Dental care
- Annual checkups
- Hospital care up to 21 days a year
- Maternity care during pregnancy (stillbirths and premature childbirth included)
- Eyecare
- Prosthesis Specialist consultations
- Prescribed medicine and diagnostic tests
- Emergency first aid
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