National Health Insurance Scheme Act
Act · Health
Policy date: 2022-01-01
An Act creates a social health insurance scheme to provide affordable healthcare coverage in Nigeria. It targets formal and informal sector workers, as well as vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. The scheme promotes access to quality healthcare and reduces out-of-pocket expenses.
National Health Insurance Scheme Act
What Is This Policy?
The original legislation that established the National Health Insurance Scheme in Nigeria, creating a framework for social health insurance to provide affordable healthcare coverage. The scheme has since been restructured under the National Health Insurance Authority Act of 2022.
Who Does It Target?
Formal sector employees and their dependants Informal sector workers and self-employed individuals Vulnerable populations including children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities Health maintenance organizations and healthcare providers
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Ensure access to quality healthcare services for all Nigerians through a sustainable health insurance system that pools risk and reduces catastrophic out-of-pocket spending on health.
Key Features
Mandatory Enrollment: Formal sector workers are required to enroll; informal sector enrollment is being expanded Health Maintenance Organizations: Accredited HMOs manage enrollment, premiums, and provider payments Benefit Package: Covers outpatient care, hospital admissions, maternity services, basic diagnostics, and medications Employer-Employee Contribution: Shared premium contributions between employers and employees in the formal sector 2022 Reform: The NHIA Act 2022 made health insurance mandatory for all Nigerians and established the National Health Insurance Authority
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active with ongoing expansion under the 2022 NHIA Act Coverage: Nationwide, with strongest coverage in the formal sector and expanding to informal and vulnerable populations Lead Agency: National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Funding: Premium contributions, government subsidies for vulnerable populations, Basic Healthcare Provision Fund
How to Access
Nigerians can enroll in health insurance through their employers or through state health insurance schemes. Formal sector employees enroll through their employer-designated HMO Informal sector workers register through state health insurance agencies Vulnerable populations access subsidized coverage through the BHCPF and state schemes Visit nhia.gov.ng or contact your state health insurance agency
Official Resources
Website: nhia.gov.ng Contact: National Health Insurance Authority, Abuja
Legal Framework
The National Health Insurance Scheme Act 1999 was the primary health insurance legislation until superseded by the National Health Insurance Authority Act 2022. It operated under the 1999 Constitution (Section 17 on health rights) and aligned with the National Health Policy and the WHO Universal Health Coverage framework. The National Health Insurance Authority Act 2022 now provides the current statutory framework.