As parents get older, hospital visits become more frequent and more expensive. Many Nigerians, at home and abroad, end up paying for their parents’ care out of pocket, often in a rush when an emergency strikes. A health plan for your parents spreads that cost into predictable payments and gets them treated quickly, without anyone scrambling to send money.
This guide explains what to look for in health insurance for elderly parents in Nigeria, what it costs, and how to buy a plan, even if you live outside the country.
Cover for pre-existing conditions. This is the most important point. Many plans exclude conditions your parents already have, such as hypertension and diabetes, which are exactly the ones they need help with. Check that these are covered, and from when. Read more about pre-existing conditions.
Monthly medicine allowance. Look at how much the plan pays for prescribed medicines each month, and whether drugs can be delivered to the house.
Hospitals near them. Check the hospital list for the town where your parents live, and whether they can use hospitals in other states when they travel.
Specialist visits. Older adults often need cardiologists, eye doctors, physiotherapists and other specialists. Check how many specialist visits a year are included.
Health checks and screening. Good plans include yearly checks such as blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and cancer screening.
Waiting periods. Most plans only cover some benefits, such as surgery or cancer care, after a waiting period. Know what is covered from day one.
Ways to talk to a doctor without travelling. Telemedicine saves older parents a trip to the hospital for simple concerns.
Alafia’s Serenity plans are built for older parents living in Nigeria and can be bought by their children in Nigeria or abroad. Here is a summary of the two options, from the Serenity benefits page:
| Serenity Lite | Serenity | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per person, paid yearly (5% discount) | ₦342,000 | ₦931,000 |
| Cost per person, paid quarterly | ₦90,000 | ₦245,000 |
| Annual cover limit | ₦1,000,000 | ₦2,000,000 |
| Hospitals | 1,400+ | 2,700+ |
| Room type | General ward | Private room |
| Prescribed medicines | ₦30,000 a month | ₦80,000 a month |
| Specialist consultations | 8 a year | 12 a year |
| Telemedicine | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Both plans include:
Waiting periods: admissions, accidents and emergencies are covered after two weeks; surgery, intensive care and wellness screening after three months; and cancer, kidney disease, sickle cell disease, autoimmune and congenital conditions after one year. Care received outside Nigeria is not covered. Always read the full benefits and limits before you buy.
You can buy a Serenity plan in naira or in US dollars and pay online. If you live outside Nigeria, use the US dollar purchase page. If you are in Nigeria, use the naira purchase page. Your parents get access to care in Nigeria, and you get one point of contact for their health.
Is there an age limit for parent health plans?
Serenity plans are designed for older adults, and anyone can be added to them. Check the current terms when you buy.
Can I buy health insurance for my parents if I live abroad?
Yes. You can buy a Serenity plan online and pay in US dollars.
Will the plan cover my mother’s diabetes or my father’s high blood pressure?
Yes. Serenity plans cover pre-existing conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, within the plan limits, with free delivery of prescribed drugs.
Can my parents use hospitals outside their state?
Yes. They can use network hospitals anywhere in Nigeria.
Read more: how much is HMO in Nigeria? and what is an HMO and how does it work?
Prices and benefits are correct at the time of writing and may change. Check the current plan details before you buy.
