Nigeria

Nigeria scores 30.5 out of 100 on the LifeIndexed Healthcare Quality Index in 2026, rated as "Limited". Life expectancy is 54.8 years. The country runs a Primarily private (limited public safety net) and spends 3.90% of GDP on health services.

A typical GP / doctor visit in Nigeria costs approximately $15 USD. Hospital accommodation costs around $60 USD per day. These are out-of-pocket costs; insured patients may pay significantly less.

Public healthcare in Nigeria covers only 5.0% of the population. A significant portion of the population pays out-of-pocket or through private insurance. Health expenditure stands at 3.90% of GDP.

Average private health insurance in Nigeria costs approximately $35 USD per month. This provides access to private hospitals, shorter wait times and specialist care beyond what the public system offers.

Nigeria relies primarily on private healthcare. Public coverage is limited to 5.0% of the population. Most residents use employer-sponsored or individual private insurance.

Nigeria has 0.4 doctors per 1,000 people. This is below the global average of approximately 1.8 per 1,000. The country also has 0.50 hospital beds per 1,000 people.

Life expectancy in Nigeria is 54.8 years in 2026, compared to the Africa average of 67.5 years. Life expectancy is a key indicator of population health, nutrition, and the effectiveness of the healthcare system.

The infant mortality rate in Nigeria is 53 deaths per 1,000 live births. This rate reflects significant challenges in maternal healthcare, nutrition and access to medical services.

Nigeria ranks 7 out of 9 Africa countries on the healthcare quality index. Its score of 30.5/100 is -7.9pp below the Africa average of 38.4/100. Life expectancy is -12.7 years versus the regional average.

Foreign nationals and expats in Nigeria typically rely on private health insurance, as public healthcare access may be limited or require employment-linked contributions. International health insurance is strongly recommended before relocating.

Nigeria is not typically considered a primary medical tourism destination. Patients seeking cost savings usually prefer regional alternatives. However, emergency and specialist care is available in major cities.

A hospital stay in Nigeria costs approximately $60 USD per day for private or uninsured patients. Insured patients typically pay a co-payment or deductible on top of the base rate. Hospital costs can vary significantly between public and private facilities.

Nigeria's healthcare quality index has improved by 2.5 points from 2022 to 2026, rising from 28.0/100 to 30.5/100. Life expectancy also rose from 54.1 to 54.8 years over the same period.

Hospital quality in Nigeria varies significantly. Urban private hospitals generally meet international standards, while rural public facilities may face resource constraints. The country has 0.50 beds per 1,000 people and 0.40 doctors per 1,000.