How to Get Travel Insurance as a Nigerian

How to Get Travel Insurance as a Nigerian: A Complete 2025 Guide

How to get Travel insurance is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. Whether you are traveling for work, study, vacation, or medical reasons, having travel insurance can make the difference between a safe journey and a financial disaster. For Nigerian travelers, obtaining travel insurance is not just a smart or good move; it is often a mandatory requirement, especially for those visiting countries in the Schengen Zone, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and other high-immigration nations.

In this detailed 2025 guide, you’ll learn how to get travel insurance as a Nigerian, the types of coverage available, what embassies require for visa approvals, how much it costs, and where to buy reliable and recognized travel insurance policies both locally and online.

Why Travel Insurance Is Essential for Nigerian Travelers

Many Nigerians mistakenly view travel insurance as a mere formality or unnecessary expense. However, here are the critical reasons why you should never travel without it:

Visa Application Requirement: Most embassies, especially in the Schengen Area, require proof of travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
Medical Emergencies Abroad: A hospital stay in Europe, the US, or the UAE can cost thousands of dollars per day.
Flight Cancellations or Delays: Insurance compensates you for canceled flights, missed connections, or rebookings.
Lost Luggage: If your baggage is lost or delayed, you can receive reimbursement for essentials.
Theft or Personal Losses: Travel insurance can help you recover costs in case of stolen passports, gadgets, or money.

Simply put, travel insurance is your financial safety net when abroad.

Who Needs Travel Insurance in Nigeria?

You need travel insurance if you fall into any of the following categories:

Tourists traveling to Europe, the UK, the UAE, or the Americas
Students applying for international study visas
Business travelers attending international meetings or conferences
Pilgrims traveling for Hajj, Umrah, or Christian pilgrimages
Transit travelers making stops in third countries
Medical tourists going abroad for treatment
Family visitors going for weddings, holidays, or reunions abroad

Even if the destination does not require it, travel insurance is still advisable for peace of mind.

What Does Travel Insurance Cover?

Here are the most common components included in standard travel insurance plans:

1. Medical Coverage

Emergency treatment and hospitalization
Accidents and injuries
Repatriation of remains (in case of death abroad)

2. Trip Cancellation or Interruption

Cancellation due to illness, injury, or emergencies
Reimbursement for unused bookings (flights, hotels)

3. Baggage Loss or Delay

Lost, stolen, or damaged luggage
Delay in baggage delivery (e.g., over 6 hours)

4. Flight Delays or Missed Connections

Compensation for long delays or missed flights due to no fault of the traveler

5. Personal Liability

Covers costs if you accidentally damage property or injure someone

6. COVID-19 Coverage (Optional or included in 2025 plans)

COVID-19 testing and treatment abroad
Quarantine and trip delay due to infection

Some plans also offer add-ons like:

Legal assistance abroad
Terrorism or war coverage
Adventure sports insurance (e.g., skiing, hiking, diving)

Types of Travel Insurance Plans for Nigerians

Travel insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on your travel type and destination, here are the major categories:

1. Single Trip Insurance

Covers one trip abroad. Ideal for tourists or business travelers on short stays.

2. Multi-Trip or Annual Plans

Great for frequent travelers, entrepreneurs, or businesspeople. Covers unlimited trips within a year (typically up to 90 days per trip).

3. Schengen Travel Insurance

Specifically designed to meet EU visa requirements. Must include:

Minimum coverage of €30,000
Valid across all Schengen countries
Coverage for the entire stay duration

4. Student Travel Insurance

Customized for Nigerian students going abroad for education. Includes extended medical, study interruption, and sponsor protection coverage.

5. Pilgrimage Insurance

For travelers going for Hajj, Umrah, or Christian pilgrimages to Israel or Rome. Covers medical emergencies and repatriation.

6. Medical or Evacuation Plans

For those traveling abroad for medical treatment or at high health risk.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get Travel Insurance as a Nigerian

Getting travel insurance is not as complicated as it seems. Here’s how to go about it in 2025:

Step 1: Know Your Travel Dates and Destination

Before you buy any policy, finalize your:

Departure and return dates
Countries you will visit or transit through
Purpose of travel (tourism, study, business, etc.)

This will help you choose the right policy duration and required coverage.

Step 2: Check Visa Insurance Requirements (if applying for a visa)

Each country has its own visa rules:

Schengen Visa: €30,000 coverage, all Schengen states, full duration
UK Visa: Not mandatory, but strongly advised
Canada and the US: Not required, but essential due to high medical costs
UAE: Some visa types require mandatory insurance
Israel and Saudi Arabia: Medical coverage and repatriation needed for pilgrims

Always check the latest requirements from the official embassy website.

Step 3: Compare Trusted Insurance Providers

Use reputable insurance providers approved by embassies. These include:

Local Nigerian Providers:

AIICO Insurance
Leadway Assurance
AXA Mansard
Mutual Benefits Assurance
NEM Insurance
Standard Alliance Insurance
Cornerstone Insurance

International Travel Insurance Companies:

World Nomads
SafetyWing
Allianz Travel
AXA Assistance
Travel Guard (by AIG)
IMG Global

Some global providers offer policies valid for Nigerian passport holders even if purchased online.

Step 4: Request a Quote and Customize Your Plan

Most insurance websites let you fill out a form and get a quote instantly. Provide:

Your full name (as on your passport)
Dates of travel
Country of travel
Date of birth
Type of coverage

Add extra features like:

COVID-19 cover
Gadget protection
Adventure sports coverage

Step 5: Make Payment and Download Certificate

Once you’re satisfied with the coverage, you can pay via:

Bank transfer
Debit/credit card
Online payment gateways (Flutterwave, Paystack, etc.)

After payment, you will receive:

Insurance Certificate (PDF)
Policy schedule
Terms and conditions

Print out this certificate for your visa interview or carry it during your trip.

How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost in Nigeria?

Here’s a rough estimate of travel insurance prices in 2025:

Trip Duration	Coverage	Estimated Cost (₦)	Equivalent in USD
1 – 7 days	Basic	₦5,000 – ₦10,000	$4 – $7
8 – 14 days	Standard	₦10,000 – ₦15,000	$7 – $11
15 – 30 days	Full	₦15,000 – ₦25,000	$11 – $18
3 – 6 months	Long-term	₦40,000 – ₦60,000	$30 – $44
1-year (multi-trip)	Comprehensive	₦70,000 – ₦120,000	$52 – $89

Prices vary based on:

Insurance provider
Age of traveler
Medical history
Destination (US and Canada cost more)
Extra features (sports, gadgets, etc.)

Where to Buy Travel Insurance in Nigeria (2025)

Online Platforms:

Insurance Brokers and Travel Agents:

Flight booking platforms like Travelstart Nigeria
Licensed visa agents and consultants
International education consultants
Some banks offer travel insurance through partnerships

Always verify that the insurer is licensed by NAICOM (National Insurance Commission).

Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Travel Insurance

Buying fake or unrecognized certificates
Not reading the policy exclusions
Choosing the cheapest plan without medical cover
Using agents who are not NAICOM-licensed
Missing your travel dates or overstaying coverage

Travel Insurance FAQs for Nigerians

Q: Can I buy travel insurance after I have left Nigeria?

Some international providers like SafetyWing and World Nomads allow this, but local Nigerian insurers require you to buy before departure.

Q: Is travel insurance refundable if I cancel my trip?

Some insurers allow cancellations if the policy has not started, but always read the refund terms.

Q: Do I need travel insurance for local (within Nigeria) flights?

Not usually, unless you’re booking tour packages or engaging in adventure activities.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Travel Without Insurance in 2025

Even if you’re heading to Dubai for a family visit, studying in the UK, or attending a conference in Canada, having travel insurance as a Nigerian is no longer optional; it’s essential. It not only protects your health and finances but also gives you the peace of mind to enjoy your trip, while insurance covers everything for you.

Choose a reputable insurance provider, understand your policy details, and always buy your insurance before your trip begins.

How to Get Travel Insurance as a Nigerian