- The best travel insurance plans for Nigeria
- Is it currently safe to travel to Nigeria?
- Travel Insurance Requirements for Nigeria
- Why take out travel insurance for Nigeria?
- What travel insurance for Nigeria should cover
- The Cost of Travel Insurance for Nigeria
- How to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Nigeria
- Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Nigeria?
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Nigeria: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Nigeria covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and other unforeseen travel disruptions.
2. Warning: The US State Department advises reconsidering travel to Nigeria due to crime and kidnapping risks.
3. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory but is vital as US health plans rarely cover you in Nigeria.
4. Healthcare cost: Quality private clinics are expensive, with hospital stays often exceeding $300 per night for foreigners.
5. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Nigeria typically costs between $30 and $60 for US travelers.
6. Good to know: Look for policies that include security or political evacuation coverage due to potential civil unrest.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travelers every month. After analyzing 41 travel insurance policies available in the US, our experts share here everything you need to know to choose the best travel insurance for Nigeria.
The best travel insurance plans for Nigeria
| Contract we recommend | Medical reimbursement limit | Our view |
|---|---|---|
| HelloTravel Premium | $1.1M | Strong coverage for Nigeria. - high reimbursement ceiling - medical evacuation included - simple claims process |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | $1.1M | 24/7 support for emergencies in Nigeria. - round-the-clock helpline - trip cancellation cover - no deductible |
| Tourist Card | $550k | Practical for tourists visiting Nigeria. - robust medical cover - emergency services - competitive rates |
| Travel Pass Monde | $770k | Balanced option for varied types of trips. - repatriation coverage - hospital expenses covered - flexible policy |
| Globe Partner | $330k | Suitable for international stays in Nigeria. - medical treatment abroad - repatriation - liability coverage |
| Globe Traveller | $550k | Budget-friendly for short or low-risk trips. - essential medical cover - quick claim settlement - capped limit |
- high reimbursement ceiling
- medical evacuation included
- simple claims process
- round-the-clock helpline
- trip cancellation cover
- no deductible
- robust medical cover
- emergency services
- competitive rates
- repatriation coverage
- hospital expenses covered
- flexible policy
- medical treatment abroad
- repatriation
- liability coverage
- essential medical cover
- quick claim settlement
- capped limit
Is it currently safe to travel to Nigeria?
As of June 2025, the US Department of State advises against travel to much of Nigeria due to terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime, designating the country at Level 3 with several regions at Level 4: Do Not Travel.
Here are their four main recommendations.
- Security risks: throughout Nigeria, armed robbery, abduction, and carjacking are frequent, especially in cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt. Several states, including Borno and Kaduna, are off-limits due to terrorism and kidnapping.
- Health risks: healthcare facilities often fall below US standards, especially outside Abuja and Lagos. Diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, and Lassa fever pose significant risks, with vaccination proof mandatory for yellow fever.
- Legal constraints: all travelers must possess a valid Nigerian visa and passport at all times. Taking photos of airports or government buildings can result in fines or arrest.
- Cultural and environmental factors: dress modestly, especially in northern states, and observe local sensitivities during events like Ramadan. Heavy seasonal flooding can disrupt travel and access to services in the Niger and Benue River regions.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the US Department of State, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Nigeria.
Travel Insurance Requirements for Nigeria
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for US travelers entering Nigeria.
However, travel insurance is strongly recommended because both health and security risks are significant. Private medical care in major cities such as Lagos and Abuja can be very costly, and medical evacuation may be necessary in an emergency. International insurance can also support travelers in case of theft, accident, or unexpected illness.
According to our data, 80% of travelers purchase travel insurance before going to Nigeria. This high percentage can be explained by the increased safety risks and high cost of quality healthcare.
Why take out travel insurance for Nigeria?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Nigeria.
In Nigeria, foreign travelers are generally treated at private medical centers like Lagoon Hospitals in Lagos or Abuja Clinics. Such facilities offer higher quality care than local hospitals, but treatment can be expensive, and payment is often required upfront. Emergency evacuation to another country may be needed for serious conditions, adding to the costs.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalization, medication, ambulance transport, and emergency repatriation to the United States in the event of a serious issue.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Nigeria.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Lagoon Hospitals | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 1,700,000 NGN (about $1,900) | up to 100% |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 1,200,000 NGN (about $1,340) | up to 100% |
| I need to be repatriated | 20,000,000 NGN (about $22,400) | up to 100% |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 4,200,000 NGN (about $4,700) | up to 100% |
These prices are given as an indication and may vary depending on the facilities and regions.
It is therefore essential to take out appropriate travel insurance to avoid unexpected and potentially high expenses.
What travel insurance for Nigeria should cover
Here is a summary table of the main coverages you should look for in a travel insurance policy for Nigeria.
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers hospital visits, urgent treatment, surgeries, and medications. We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least $200,000 due to higher evacuation and care costs. |
| 🚑 Medical evacuation | Pays for air ambulance or evacuation to the US or another country if needed. Minimum recommended coverage is $250,000. |
| 💼 Baggage and property | Protects against loss, theft, or damage to luggage and valuables. Recommend a limit of $2,500 per trip. |
| ❌ Trip cancellation | Reimburses prepaid and non-refundable trip expenses if canceled for covered reasons. The coverage should at least equal your travel budget, usually $5,000 or more. |
| 🛡️ Personal liability | Covers legal costs or damages if you accidentally injure others or damage property. Minimum recommended amount: $100,000. |
| 🏨 Daily hospital cash | Provides a daily allowance for each day hospitalized. We suggest at least $50 per day, up to 10 days. |
| 🦷 Dental emergencies | Pays for unexpected dental treatments. Recommended limit: $1,000. |
| 🩺 Kidnap and ransom option | Some policies may cover costs from kidnapping risks, such as ransom negotiations. For Nigeria, consider coverage if available and ensure it matches destination risk level. |
We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least $200,000 due to higher evacuation and care costs.
Minimum recommended coverage is $250,000.
Recommend a limit of $2,500 per trip.
The coverage should at least equal your travel budget, usually $5,000 or more.
Minimum recommended amount: $100,000.
We suggest at least $50 per day, up to 10 days.
Recommended limit: $1,000.
For Nigeria, consider coverage if available and ensure it matches destination risk level.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards is often limited in coverage and excludes many risks, including security and evacuation. For comprehensive protection in Nigeria, choose a trusted insurer offering full coverage. Compare the top policies on HelloSafe and subscribe online for instant certification.
The Cost of Travel Insurance for Nigeria
| Trip duration | Traveler’s age | Indicative price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 1 week | 25 years old | $48 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | $87 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | $141 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | $238 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The price of travel insurance varies based on several key details: the traveler's age, the duration of the stay, the destination, desired coverage limits, and optional add-ons like a cancellation waiver. It's important to consider these factors to select the right policy that fits your specific trip and budget without any surprises.
💡 It is always recommended to compare multiple offers to find the best value-for-money plan for you. You can use HelloSafe.
👉 Compare the best travel insurance for freeI compareHow to Pay Less for Your Travel Insurance to Nigeria
Here are some suggestions to optimize the cost of your travel insurance to Nigeria while keeping good coverage:
| Criteria | Why it matters | Expert tip |
|---|---|---|
| 🛫 Trip duration | The longer you stay in Nigeria, the higher the insurance cost. Trip length directly affects price. | Limit your insured trip to actual travel dates. Avoid covering unnecessary extra days to reduce costs. |
| 👥 Traveler's age | Higher age often raises premiums. Nigeria’s healthcare costs can be significant for older travelers. | Check age policies of different insurers. Heymondo does not increase its prices for people over 62. |
| 💰 Deductible amount | A higher deductible lowers insurance premiums. Hospital visits can be expensive in Nigeria. | Choose a higher deductible if you are able to pay small expenses yourself in case of incident. |
| 🏥 Level of coverage | Healthcare quality varies by region in Nigeria. Adjust coverage to ensure sufficient protection. | Opt for essential medical and emergency evacuation only, avoid unnecessary add-ons to save money. |
| ✈️ Medical evacuation inclusion | Evacuation from Nigeria can be costly and sometimes necessary. | Choose a policy with evacuation, but compare providers as prices and limits vary substantially. |
| 🎒 Activities covered | Some activities, like safaris or hiking, may require special coverage due to local risks in Nigeria. | Exclude adventure sports if not needed. Only include actual planned activities for better pricing. |
| 🌎 Multi-trip vs. single-trip policy | If visiting Nigeria multiple times in a year, an annual plan may be more efficient and economical. | Compare the total cost of an annual multi-trip plan with several single-trip policies if you travel often. |
Important
Nigeria does not require travel insurance by law for travelers from the US to enter. However, comprehensive medical and evacuation coverage is strongly recommended due to high medical risks and security concerns.
Can I rely on my current insurance to cover me in Nigeria?
It is completely legitimate to wonder whether your existing coverage—such as credit card insurance or your public health system—can protect you during a trip to Nigeria. Unfortunately, this coverage is often limited or insufficient for travel to countries with higher health and security risks.
Here is a summary table to help you review your current insurance and what it covers.
| Type of Insurance | Valid in Nigeria? | What it covers | Why Travel Insurance is better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public health insurance | No, never | No coverage for medical costs or evacuation outside the US. | Travel insurance covers $100,000+ in healthcare, hospitalization, and emergency evacuation abroad. |
| Private health insurance | Yes, partly | Some plans offer overseas care up to $25,000, but often exclude repatriation, kidnapping, or lost items. | Travel insurance can reimburse $100,000+ for emergencies and includes evacuation or security support. |
| Classic credit card (Visa Classic, Mastercard Standard, Discover) | Yes, partly | Medical fees below $5,000, and no reimbursement for kidnapping, severe emergencies, or trip interruption. | Travel insurance reimburses $100,000+ medical care, evacuation, and security crisis assistance. |
| Premium credit card (Chase Sapphire Preferred, Amex Platinum, Citi Prestige) | Yes, partly | Medical fees below $25,000, limited baggage and trip delay coverage. | Travel insurance offers medical limits $100,000+, higher baggage replacement, and full 24/7 crisis help. |
Example
After a road accident in Lagos, Tunde's emergency surgery cost $9,000. His local HMO plan only covered $700, and his Verve bank card offered no medical insurance. Lacking specific travel or accident coverage, he faced an overwhelming $8,300 bill, a crippling expense for a common Nigerian risk.
Expert advice
Always check the terms, exclusions, and limits of your existing insurance. Essential situations, like trip interruption for a relative’s illness or death, might be excluded. Read the conditions carefully to avoid surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to get dedicated travel insurance tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Nigeria?
Yes, U.S. citizens need a valid visa to travel to Nigeria for any purpose, including tourism, business, or transit. You should apply for your Nigerian visa well in advance of your trip through the Nigerian embassy or consulate. Ensure your U.S. passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Nigeria?
Start by comparing options using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to find a plan suited for travel to Nigeria. Carefully review the policy, considering coverage limits and any exclusions specific to Nigeria. Purchase your chosen plan online and you will promptly receive an insurance certificate to support your trip.
Are hospitals and medical care in Nigeria up to U.S. standards?
Medical services in Nigeria, especially outside major cities, generally do not meet U.S. standards. Emergency care and evacuation can be costly and hard to access. Health insurance that includes evacuation coverage is highly advised for travelers, as you may need to be transported to another country for serious treatment.
What risks should I consider when traveling in Nigeria?
Travelers in Nigeria face risks including violent crime, terrorism, kidnappings, and civil unrest, especially in certain states. Street crime is common, particularly in urban areas and at night. Always remain alert, avoid risky areas, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and consult current travel advisories before your trip.
Does travel insurance cover kidnapping and ransom situations in Nigeria?
Most standard travel insurance plans do not include kidnapping and ransom coverage. Specialized policies exist and may offer this benefit for an additional premium. If you have concerns about kidnapping due to your profile or the areas you plan to visit, make sure to specifically request this type of coverage from your insurer.
Is loss or theft of personal belongings covered on travel insurance in Nigeria?
Many travel insurance plans can reimburse losses due to theft or loss of personal belongings while in Nigeria, usually within set limits such as $500 to $1,500 per item. You must file a police report and submit relevant documentation to your insurer for a claim to be considered.
Do I need a visa to travel to Nigeria?
Yes, U.S. citizens need a valid visa to travel to Nigeria for any purpose, including tourism, business, or transit. You should apply for your Nigerian visa well in advance of your trip through the Nigerian embassy or consulate. Ensure your U.S. passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Nigeria?
Start by comparing options using the HelloSafe travel insurance comparison tool to find a plan suited for travel to Nigeria. Carefully review the policy, considering coverage limits and any exclusions specific to Nigeria. Purchase your chosen plan online and you will promptly receive an insurance certificate to support your trip.
Are hospitals and medical care in Nigeria up to U.S. standards?
Medical services in Nigeria, especially outside major cities, generally do not meet U.S. standards. Emergency care and evacuation can be costly and hard to access. Health insurance that includes evacuation coverage is highly advised for travelers, as you may need to be transported to another country for serious treatment.
What risks should I consider when traveling in Nigeria?
Travelers in Nigeria face risks including violent crime, terrorism, kidnappings, and civil unrest, especially in certain states. Street crime is common, particularly in urban areas and at night. Always remain alert, avoid risky areas, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and consult current travel advisories before your trip.
Does travel insurance cover kidnapping and ransom situations in Nigeria?
Most standard travel insurance plans do not include kidnapping and ransom coverage. Specialized policies exist and may offer this benefit for an additional premium. If you have concerns about kidnapping due to your profile or the areas you plan to visit, make sure to specifically request this type of coverage from your insurer.
Is loss or theft of personal belongings covered on travel insurance in Nigeria?
Many travel insurance plans can reimburse losses due to theft or loss of personal belongings while in Nigeria, usually within set limits such as $500 to $1,500 per item. You must file a police report and submit relevant documentation to your insurer for a claim to be considered.
