The Nigerian government is exploring innovative ways to achieve universal health coverage, and a recent proposal has sparked discussions — mandatory health insurance for travelers entering or leaving the country. This policy, if implemented, could significantly impact both international visitors and Nigerians traveling abroad.

In May 2022, President Muhammadu Buhari signed the National Health Insurance Authority Bill into law, making health insurance mandatory for all Nigerians. This landmark legislation aims to improve access to quality healthcare by ensuring financial protection against medical bills. However, enrolling millions of citizens remains a challenge.

David Barau, the public relations officer of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS), revealed a proposal during a health governance meeting. This proposal suggests requiring travelers to show proof of health insurance as a travel document, similar to a passport or visa. This approach would leverage existing travel infrastructure, like airports, to reach a large population segment and encourage wider health insurance adoption.

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) is actively exploring various strategies to achieve universal coverage. Previous proposals included making health insurance a prerequisite for opening a bank account. Additionally, the NHIA has advocated for allocating resources specifically for the 83 million vulnerable Nigerians identified in the Act.

While the proposal for mandatory travel health insurance is still under discussion, it reflects the government’s commitment to expanding health insurance coverage. Challenges remain, including ensuring affordability for all Nigerians and effectively integrating the informal sector into the health insurance framework.

If implemented, mandatory travel health insurance could have a ripple effect. It could incentivize Nigerians to obtain health insurance before traveling, ultimately contributing to the broader goal of universal coverage. Additionally, it might raise awareness of health insurance benefits among international visitors, potentially influencing healthcare practices in their home countries.

The Nigerian government’s push for universal healthcare is a significant development. Whether mandatory travel health insurance becomes a reality remains to be seen, but the proposal underscores the nation’s commitment to improving healthcare access for all. As the discussions unfold, this policy has the potential to impact both domestic and international travelers, shaping the future of healthcare in Nigeria.