- The best travel insurance plans for Nigeria
- Is it currently safe to travel to Nigeria?
- Is travel insurance required by law to enter 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 travel insurance to Nigeria
- The Validity of Your Current Insurance in Nigeria
- FAQ
Travel insurance for Nigeria: key takeaways
1. Definition: Travel insurance for Nigeria covers medical emergencies, repatriation, and other unforeseen events during your trip.
2. Warning: The Australian government advises reconsidering travel to Nigeria due to high security risks.
3. Key protection: Insurance is not mandatory but vital, as medical facilities are often basic and evacuation may be needed.
4. Price: A one-week travel insurance policy for Nigeria can cost between AUD $50 and $100.
5. Good to know: A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for all travellers entering Nigeria.
Why trust HelloSafe?
HelloSafe is an international specialist in travel insurance comparison, advising over one million travellers every month. After analysing 41 travel insurance policies available in Australia, 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 | A$1.6M | Excellent for high-risk travel to Nigeria. - very high medical limit - full medical evacuation - broad crisis support |
| Cap Assistance 24/24 | A$1.6M | Good for urgent support and reliable coverage in Nigeria. - 24/7 medical helpline - hospital and evacuation cover - quick response |
| Tourist Card | A$800K | A practical option for tourists with solid core cover. - covers essential medical needs - emergency assistance - decent value for short trips |
| Travel Pass Monde | A$1.1M | Balanced for longer stays in Nigeria. - repatriation guaranteed - hospital fees included - high limits for serious incidents |
| Globe Partner | A$480K | Good for basic international travel in Nigeria. - covers overseas emergencies - repatriation - simple claims process |
| Globe Traveller | A$800K | Best for short, lower-risk trips. - practical emergency cover - quick medical reimbursement - moderate ceiling for trips with routine or moderate risk |
- very high medical limit
- full medical evacuation
- broad crisis support
- 24/7 medical helpline
- hospital and evacuation cover
- quick response
- covers essential medical needs
- emergency assistance
- decent value for short trips
- repatriation guaranteed
- hospital fees included
- high limits for serious incidents
- covers overseas emergencies
- repatriation
- simple claims process
- practical emergency cover
- quick medical reimbursement
- moderate ceiling for trips with routine or moderate risk
Is it currently safe to travel to Nigeria?
As of June 2025, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade advises travellers to reconsider your need to travel to Nigeria due to ongoing security risks and instability, with strict warnings for 24 states where travel is strongly discouraged.
Here are their four main recommendations.
Security risks: Nigeria faces a persistent threat from terrorism, violent crime and kidnapping, especially in northern and central areas such as Borno and Kaduna. Travel by road or rail between cities carries high risk of armed attacks or abduction.
Health risks: Infectious diseases like malaria, yellow fever, and Lassa fever are widespread. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry, and access to medical care may be limited outside major cities.
Legal constraints: Drug offences carry severe penalties, including long prison terms. Items such as satellite phones may be confiscated upon arrival; always check Nigeria’s import restrictions before travel.
Environmental and urban hazards: Civil unrest and demonstrations can erupt suddenly in cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt. Flooding frequently disrupts transport during the rainy season in southern Nigeria.
Although not required, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, particularly to cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation, which can be extremely costly in Nigeria.
Is travel insurance required by law to enter Nigeria?
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for Australians to enter Nigeria.
However, travel insurance is strongly recommended by the Australian Government. Healthcare standards and infrastructure are limited in Nigeria, and emergency medical care or evacuation for a serious illness or accident can be extremely expensive. Covering medical costs, emergency repatriation, and protection for unexpected incidents provides vital peace of mind for travellers from Australia.
According to our data, 80% of travellers purchase travel insurance before going to Nigeria, due to the high risk of crime, disease, and the costly private health system.
Why take out travel insurance for Nigeria?
It is an essential financial and medical protection for anyone going to Nigeria.
In Nigeria, public hospitals are often overburdened and lack medical supplies, especially outside major cities like Abuja and Lagos. Foreigners are usually directed to private clinics such as Lagoon Hospital in Lagos, where the cost of care can be very high.
Travel insurance covers medical fees, hospitalisation, medication, ambulance transport and emergency repatriation to Australia in the event of a serious incident.
Here are some examples of healthcare costs in Nigeria.
| Example of medical treatment | Cost at Lagoon Hospital, Lagos | Covered by travel insurance |
|---|---|---|
| I have to be hospitalized 48 hours after contracting an infection | 700,000 NGN (A$6,700) | up to A$1,600,000 |
| I broke my tibia (X-ray, cast, and crutch rental) | 380,000 NGN (A$3,600) | up to A$1,600,000 |
| I need to be repatriated | 25,000,000 NGN (A$240,000) | up to A$1,600,000 |
| I have appendicitis (consultation and surgery) | 2,200,000 NGN (A$21,000) | up to A$1,600,000 |
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
| Main coverages | Explanations and recommendations |
|---|---|
| 🏥 Medical expenses | Covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation, and outpatient care. We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least A$500,000 due to high costs in private clinics. |
| ✈️ Repatriation and evacuation | Covers transport back to Australia in case of serious illness or injury. Minimum recommended limit: A$300,000. |
| 💼 Baggage and personal items | Protects against loss, theft, or damage to luggage and valuables. Recommended reimbursement: at least A$5,000 per trip. |
| ❌ Trip cancellation/interruption | Covers prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if your trip is disrupted by unforeseen events. Recommended coverage: A$10,000 per trip for extra flexibility. |
| 🚑 Emergency medical transport | Pays for ambulance or airlift to the nearest suitable medical facility. Recommended minimum: A$100,000. |
| ⛑️ Personal liability | Covers legal expenses and liability for accidental injury or damage caused to others. We recommend coverage of at least A$1,000,000. |
| 🦟 Disease and infection cover | Includes treatment for malaria, dengue, and other region-specific illnesses. Check that the policy does not exclude infectious diseases prevalent in Nigeria. |
| 🏨 Hospital cash allowance | Daily cash benefit if you are hospitalised. Useful for extended hospital stays, recommended minimum: A$100 per day. |
We recommend a reimbursement limit of at least A$500,000 due to high costs in private clinics.
Minimum recommended limit: A$300,000.
Recommended reimbursement: at least A$5,000 per trip.
Recommended coverage: A$10,000 per trip for extra flexibility.
Recommended minimum: A$100,000.
We recommend coverage of at least A$1,000,000.
Check that the policy does not exclude infectious diseases prevalent in Nigeria.
Useful for extended hospital stays, recommended minimum: A$100 per day.
Travel insurance from local providers or bank cards often has low limits and many exclusions. It is safer to choose a trusted insurer with broad coverage. Compare the top options 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 | A$65 |
| 2 weeks | 45 years old | A$110 |
| 1 month | 35 years old | A$170 |
| 1 month | 70 years old | A$320 |
These prices are indicative and may vary depending on the coverage chosen and the specifics of each insurer.
Good to know
The cost of your travel insurance for a high-risk destination like Nigeria depends on several factors: your age, trip duration, the level of cover you need, and optional extras like cancellation protection. It's crucial to keep these in mind to find a policy that provides adequate protection for your journey, mate.
💡 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 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 | Longer insurances cost more, so it’s important to match your cover with your actual travel dates. | Select coverage for only the days you are in Nigeria and avoid unnecessary extra days. |
| 👥 Traveller’s age | Age significantly affects price, especially for older travellers. | Check insurer policies on age bands; Heymondo does not increase prices for people over 62. |
| 🧳 Level of coverage | Premiums rise with higher coverage limits and extras, but medical cover is essential in Nigeria. | Choose a basic plan with sufficient medical cover for Nigeria’s private clinic costs. |
| 🧑🤝🧑 Number of travellers | Group or family policies are sometimes cheaper on a per-person basis. | Opt for a group plan if travelling with family or friends to reduce the total premium. |
| 🛒 How you buy | Buying directly online may include discounts and comparison can reveal cheaper options. | Compare several offers before buying online to find the lowest price with strong coverage. |
| 🏥 Exclusions and add-ons | Some add-ons increase the price, and certain exclusions may be unnecessary for your specific needs. | Remove optional extras you do not need, such as sports or baggage, for a lower premium. |
| 📆 When you book | Premiums tend to be lower if purchased in advance instead of last minute. | Buy your travel insurance early for the best rates and broader choice of providers. |
The Validity of Your Current Insurance in Nigeria
It’s completely reasonable to ask whether your existing coverage, like credit card insurance or Medicare, will protect you when travelling to Nigeria. Unfortunately, these insurances are often limited or insufficient for international travel, especially in countries with higher medical 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 (Medicare) | Never | Covers only care in Australia. No overseas medical costs, hospitalisation, or evacuation covered. | Travel insurance offers up to A$500,000 or more for medical emergencies, evacuation, and 24/7 support. |
| Private health insurance | Limited coverage | Some international medical coverage. Usually capped at A$10,000–A$20,000. No repatriation or many extras. | Travel insurance covers medical evacuation, trip interruption, and expenses up to A$1,000,000. |
| Classic credit card (ANZ First, Commonwealth Bank Low Fee, NAB Low Rate) | Limited coverage | May cover trip cancellation and lost luggage, usually under A$2,500. No epidemic, pandemic, or evacuation. | Travel insurance may reimburse hospital stays and cancellations up to A$10,000 or more per traveller. |
| Premium credit card (ANZ Platinum, Westpac Altitude Black, NAB Qantas Rewards) | Limited coverage | Higher limits than classic cards, up to A$20,000 for health and baggage. Many exclusions apply. | Travel insurance offers broader protection, fewer exclusions, and covers pre-existing and risky activities. |
Example
In Lagos, Chloe contracted severe malaria, requiring an emergency medical evacuation costing AU$45,000. Her CommBank Platinum card's included insurance only covered AU$2,000, and her standard health cover offered nothing for overseas incidents. Without specific travel insurance, she was left with a crippling AU$43,000 bill for essential life-saving treatment.
Expert advice
Trip interruption for a relative’s illness or death is often excluded from bank card and health insurance policies. Read your policy conditions carefully to avoid surprises abroad. In all cases, it is safer and more reassuring to subscribe to a dedicated travel insurance policy tailored to your trip.
FAQ
Do I need a visa to travel to Nigeria?
Yes, Australian citizens need a visa before travelling to Nigeria. You must apply online via the official Nigerian Immigration portal and provide supporting documents including a valid passport, yellow fever vaccination certificate, and a letter of invitation or hotel confirmation. Visa processing times may vary, so apply in advance.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Nigeria?
To purchase travel insurance for Nigeria, first compare insurance policies using the HelloSafe comparison tool. Check policy details and exclusions, especially those relevant for Nigeria such as medical evacuation and security-related incidents. Buy your policy online once satisfied, then you will quickly receive your insurance certificate by email for your trip.
Is medical evacuation covered in travel insurance for Nigeria?
Most comprehensive travel insurance policies for Nigeria include medical evacuation to Australia or the nearest suitable country if care cannot be provided locally. Given the limited quality of medical facilities in Nigeria, this coverage is highly advisable. Coverage limits can reach up to A$500,000 or more, depending on the policy selected.
What vaccinations are required for entry into Nigeria?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry into Nigeria. Some insurers require proof of required vaccinations in the event of a medical claim. It is also recommended to be protected against hepatitis A and B, typhoid, cholera, and consider antimalarial medication according to government health advice.
Does travel insurance for Nigeria cover trip cancellation or interruption due to unrest?
Many insurers provide cancellation or trip interruption coverage if your travel is affected by events such as civil unrest or a government travel warning. Always check the policy wording, as exclusions for “known events” may apply. Coverage levels typically range from A$5,000 to A$10,000, depending on the policy and provider.
How much does travel insurance for Nigeria typically cost?
Travel insurance for Nigeria is usually higher than for other destinations due to increased risks. Premiums generally start from around A$200 to A$400 for a two-week trip, depending on your age, cover amount, and any medical pre-conditions. Always compare several offers before deciding.
Do I need a visa to travel to Nigeria?
Yes, Australian citizens need a visa before travelling to Nigeria. You must apply online via the official Nigerian Immigration portal and provide supporting documents including a valid passport, yellow fever vaccination certificate, and a letter of invitation or hotel confirmation. Visa processing times may vary, so apply in advance.
How do I purchase travel insurance for Nigeria?
To purchase travel insurance for Nigeria, first compare insurance policies using the HelloSafe comparison tool. Check policy details and exclusions, especially those relevant for Nigeria such as medical evacuation and security-related incidents. Buy your policy online once satisfied, then you will quickly receive your insurance certificate by email for your trip.
Is medical evacuation covered in travel insurance for Nigeria?
Most comprehensive travel insurance policies for Nigeria include medical evacuation to Australia or the nearest suitable country if care cannot be provided locally. Given the limited quality of medical facilities in Nigeria, this coverage is highly advisable. Coverage limits can reach up to A$500,000 or more, depending on the policy selected.
What vaccinations are required for entry into Nigeria?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for entry into Nigeria. Some insurers require proof of required vaccinations in the event of a medical claim. It is also recommended to be protected against hepatitis A and B, typhoid, cholera, and consider antimalarial medication according to government health advice.
Does travel insurance for Nigeria cover trip cancellation or interruption due to unrest?
Many insurers provide cancellation or trip interruption coverage if your travel is affected by events such as civil unrest or a government travel warning. Always check the policy wording, as exclusions for “known events” may apply. Coverage levels typically range from A$5,000 to A$10,000, depending on the policy and provider.
How much does travel insurance for Nigeria typically cost?
Travel insurance for Nigeria is usually higher than for other destinations due to increased risks. Premiums generally start from around A$200 to A$400 for a two-week trip, depending on your age, cover amount, and any medical pre-conditions. Always compare several offers before deciding.
