The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced new health insurance options for individuals outside formal employment in Nigeria.
The goal of these options is to expand healthcare access to young adults, the self-employed and the elderly. Director-general of NHIA, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri presented the Group Individual and Family Social Health Insurance Programme (GIFSHIP) as a flexible and accessible plan for Nigerians, regardless of their employment status.
GIFSHIP allows those who are 18 years old and not covered by any health insurance to enrol by paying an annual premium of N45,000 to receive essential healthcare services. The program also extends coverage to private business owners, the self-employed, and individuals of all ages, and it includes two additional related persons under the same premium.
To ensure healthcare affordability, GIFSHIP facilitates group registration with a minimum of 10 people, each contributing N15,000 annually. The benefit package includes coverage for surgeries, diagnostic services and more.
NHIA is actively increasing public awareness of health insurance benefits through traditional and social media platforms and is committed to ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare for all Nigerians, regardless of their employment status.
In addition to GIFSHIP, the NHIA offers other insurance packages that cover consultations, tests, medical consumables and minor surgeries. Specific registration requirements, particularly for Federal Government employees, include an appointment letter, office ID, recent pay slips, and proof of family status. The NHIA has also made provisions for adding dependents and the option to change hospitals, ensuring flexibility and comprehensive coverage for all enrollees.
The NHIA’s initiatives are part of a broader goal to cover different segments of society, including public and private sector employees, uniformed services, and vulnerable groups such as children under five, pregnant women, and displaced persons. These efforts aim to provide quality healthcare services at highly subsidised rates to every Nigerian.
GIFSHIP has been designed to provide accessible healthcare coverage for individuals without formal employment and elderly individuals who may have never worked in formal sectors. This programme ensures that even retired civil servants can access healthcare by enrolling in GIFSHIP, filling the gap for post-retirement health coverage.
NHIA’s comprehensive communication campaign includes traditional media engagement and presence on various social media platforms to ensure that Nigerians are well-informed about the available health insurance options. The authority is dedicated to reaching a wider audience and educating the public about the importance of health insurance.
Overall, the NHIA’s introduction of health insurance options and updated registration requirements demonstrates its commitment to providing affordable and comprehensive healthcare coverage for all Nigerians, striving to ensure that no one is left behind in accessing the healthcare they need.
