Emergency Numbers & Access
Emergency response infrastructure is limited. Private hospitals may require deposit before treatment.
Response time: 30-60+ minutes in cities, unreliable in rural areas
Cost: ₦10,000-100,000+ at private hospitals
Healthcare System
Nigeria's public healthcare is severely underfunded with limited infrastructure outside major cities. Private hospitals in Lagos and Abuja offer reasonable care. Medical tourism abroad is common for serious conditions.
Designed for: All residents via NHIS, but coverage is very low (~5%)
GP Access & Costs
Walk into private clinics. No registration needed.
Typical wait: Private: under 1 hour. Public: several hours.
Availability: Good in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt. Very limited in rural areas.
GP Visit
₦5,000-20,000 ($6-25) at private clinics
Private GP
₦5,000-20,000 ($6-25)
ER Without Insurance
₦50,000-500,000+ ($60-600+) at private facilities
Medication
Medications affordable but counterfeit drugs are a serious risk. Buy from reputable pharmacies only.
Pharmacy & Medication
Hours: Mon-Sat 8am-8pm. Some 24-hour pharmacies in Lagos and Abuja. Chains include HealthPlus and MedPlus.
OTC: Wide OTC availability including antibiotics and antimalarials. Quality and authenticity vary — counterfeit medications are a significant problem.
Controlled substances: NDLEA strictly controls narcotics and psychotropics. Carry doctor's letter and original packaging. Tramadol and codeine are particularly scrutinised.
Practical Tips
- Use private hospitals in Lagos/Abuja — Reddington, Lagoon, EKO
- Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is essential
- Yellow fever vaccination required for entry
- Carry antimalarial medication — malaria is endemic
Who can get care in Nigeria?
Emergency care for anyone
Emergency departments in Nigeria treat everyone regardless of residency or insurance status. Charges can still apply afterwards.
Public system for visitors
The public system does not cover visitors, so care is paid privately or through insurance.
Seeing a Doctor as a visitor
Walk into private clinics. No registration needed. Typical cost: ₦5,000-20,000 ($6-25) at private clinics Typical wait: Private: under 1 hour. Public: several hours.
Insurance needed for entry or visa
Not a formal entry requirement, but medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency care without cover: ₦50,000-500,000+ ($60-600+) at private facilities.
Documents worth having ready
- Travel insurance proof
- Passport
- Yellow fever certificate
Local contacts in Nigeria
Emergency services
112 / 199
Emergency response infrastructure is limited. Private hospitals may require deposit before treatment.
Pharmacies
Mon-Sat 8am-8pm. Some 24-hour pharmacies in Lagos and Abuja. Chains include HealthPlus and MedPlus.
Wide OTC availability including antibiotics and antimalarials. Quality and authenticity vary — counterfeit medications are a significant problem.
What is the emergency number in Nigeria?
112 or 199 in Nigeria. Emergency response infrastructure is limited. Private hospitals may require deposit before treatment.
How much does a Doctor visit cost in Nigeria?
₦5,000-20,000 ($6-25) at private clinics Private consultations: ₦5,000-20,000 ($6-25).
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Sources: Nigeria Federal Ministry of Health, WHO Nigeria, CDC Travelers Health 2024
Last reviewed: March 2026 by ViscaCare