Everything You Need to Know About NHIS in Nigeria 

Established in 1999, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) is a corporate body that provides accessible, affordable, and universal health care services to all Nigerians. NHIS's primary function is to protect families in Nigeria from financial barriers as they seek health care.

The policymakers ensure that funds are always available to the public health sector so people can access quality services. The information below will tell you more.

How Much Is NHIS in Nigeria? 

Even though the Nigerian federal government covers the bill for the Formal Sector Social Health Insurance Program (FSSHIP), the cost of the other programs (including the private sector) varies. The cost of National Health Insurance Scheme registration for parents and their children is N9,000  per head.

On the other hand, private healthcare providers usually charge between N35,000 and N220,000 for individual plans, while family plans range from N125,000 to N650,000. It costs N15,000 to register for Voluntary Contributor Social Health Insurance Program (VCSHIP) and N10,000 per head.

It costs N12,000 to register for National Mobile Health Insurance Program (NMHIP) and N9,000 per head. All NHIS fees for service renew annually. 

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How Does NHIS Work? 

NHIS provides a social health insurance programme where all registered Nigerians have their health care coverage that needs to be paid for from a common pool of funds contributed by other participants.

The funds allow the Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) to pay the medical expenses of those who need medical attention at that moment. 

What Are the Benefits of NHIS? 

Enrollees in NHIS get to enjoy a benefits package, including:

• Outpatient care 
• Preventive care 
• Dental care 
• Annual checkups 
• Hospital care up to 21 days in a year 
• Maternity care throughout all stages of pregnancy which also applies to stillbirths and premature childbirth 
• Eyecare, examination inclusive of inexpensive eyewear 
• Prosthesis 
• Specialist consultations 
• Prescribed medicine and diagnostic tests
• Emergency first aid 

How Can I Check My NHIS Status? 

Technological advancement makes checking NHIS status easier and more convenient. You need to:

• Dial *929# on a network 
• Select option 1 
• Select NHIS card
• Enter your NHIS membership card number 

How Do I Know If NHIS Is Working? 

To check if NHIS is working, you need to go to the NHIS website, provide your details and check the status of your contribution. You've likely not been registered if the site cannot process your details. Therefore, ensure that you visit the local NHIS office nearby for clarification. 

How Do I Register For NHIS?

If you are a stakeholder of the Formal Sector Social Health Insurance Program (FSSHIP), you don't need to enrol on NHIS because employers usually register all their employees.

Some of the members of the FSSHIP include employees of companies with at least ten people, students of tertiary institutions, and members of uniformed services. Every month, the company will deduct 5% of your total salary to pay your NHIS.

It ensures that your beneficiaries enjoy the benefits of enrolling in NHIS. However, you can register for NHIS so that you can manage your account from your mobile phone. For enrolment, follow these steps:

• Visit the NHIS website. 
• On the homepage, select the 'Register' button. 
• Fill out the spaces with your NHIS membership number, surname, date of birth, and random code provided by the website. After filling out all the fields, click 'Submit.'
• You'll then create an online NHIS account by providing your email address and the password you'll be using to log in. 
• Now, you're fully registered to NHIS online. 

If you're not a member of the FSSHIP but want to enrol in NHIS, you can always do so as a voluntary contributor. Follow these steps:

• Find your preferred Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) nearby and buy a voucher.
• Then visit the NHIS website. On the homepage, select the 'Voluntary Contributors' option. 
• Scroll down the page and select 'Register.' 
• Fill out all the fields provided with the correct information. 
• Towards the end of the process, you'll be required to provide the name of your state and Local Government Area (LGA).
• After doing so, you'll get a list of all NHIS accredited primary healthcare facilities near you. Choose the most convenient one for you and your family. If you don't get this list, proceed to provide a different LGA or state. 
• At the end of the application, you'll be required to provide your preferred payment method.

If you don't have an internet connection, you want to register for NHIS; you can do so by dialling *616#. After filling out all the necessary information required and submitting it. If the application is successful, you'll receive a text message with your e-ID. 

What Is the NHIS Slogan?

Easy Access to Health Care For All 

Summing Up 

From the above information, it is clear that there is nothing complicated about enrolling in this insurance plan. If you've not done so up to date, go ahead and register and start benefiting from affordable healthcare delivery.