HMO in Lagos: Plans, Prices and Hospitals (2026 Guide)

Healthcare in Lagos can be expensive, and long journeys across the city make it harder to see a doctor quickly. A health plan from an HMO (Health Maintenance Organisation) helps with both: it covers the cost of care, and lets you use hospitals close to where you live and work. Since 2024, health insurance has also been compulsory for Lagos residents.

This guide explains the rules on health insurance in Lagos, the difference between the state scheme and a private HMO, what plans cost and how to choose an HMO in Lagos.

Is health insurance compulsory in Lagos?

Yes. A Lagos State executive order that took effect on 16 July 2024 requires all residents, employers and workers in the state to subscribe to a health insurance scheme, according to a KPMG summary of the order. Key points:

• You can meet the requirement through the state scheme, Ilera Eko, or through an HMO accredited by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and registered with Lagos State.
• If you already have a plan with an HMO that is NHIA-accredited and registered with Lagos State, you can keep it. The order does not spell out what counts as proof of cover, so ask your HMO or employer what to show if a government office or hospital asks.
• Employers must make sure their staff are covered.
• A LASSRA (Lagos State Residents Registration Agency) number is needed to enrol in the state scheme.

This sits alongside the national NHIA Act of 2022, which makes health insurance mandatory for all Nigerians. New to health insurance? Read what an HMO is and how it works.

Ilera Eko vs a private HMO: which should you choose?

Ilera Eko is the Lagos State Health Scheme, run by the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA). It had about 1.5 million enrollees by May 2026, according to Vanguard. Its network includes public and private hospitals, primary health centres and pharmacies, and it offers a “Pay-Small-Small” instalment option. It is a good, affordable option for basic cover.

Ilera Eko has waiting periods, according to a November 2025 LASHMA statement: new enrollees wait one month before cover starts (from January 2026), elective surgery has a four-month wait, and delivery (normal or caesarean) requires at least five months of enrolment plus antenatal attendance. Antenatal care and emergencies have no waiting period. Lagos has also stepped up enforcement in 2026: government agencies can check whether residents are enrolled, and hospitals are being asked to enrol uninsured patients, according to Vanguard.

A private HMO plan usually gives you:

• A wider choice of private hospitals, including higher-tier hospitals
• Higher benefit limits and more specialist care
• Faster digital services, such as telemedicine and app-based approvals
• Company plans with extra benefits like maternity and newborn care, plus dental, eye care and mental health support on many plans

Many Lagos employers choose a private HMO for staff for these reasons. Individuals often choose based on which hospitals they want to use and how much they can pay.

How much is an HMO in Lagos?

Prices for individual plans in Nigeria range from around ₦12,000 to more than ₦120,000 a year for the cheapest plan at each HMO, depending on the hospitals and benefits included. Higher-priced plans generally give access to a wider range of private hospitals.

Reliance Health’s plans for individuals and families are sold through Alafia by Reliance Health, including the pay-as-you-go Tranquility plan and Serenity plans for older adults. Businesses can get group pricing through our small business and company health plans.

Reliance HMO hospitals in Lagos

Reliance HMO partners with hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, dental and eye centres across Lagos, including in:

• Lagos Island and Lekki axis: Lekki, Ajah, Sangotedo, Victoria Island, Ikoyi and Epe
• Mainland: Ikeja, Surulere, Yaba, Gbagada, Maryland, Ilupeju, Ogba, Magodo and Ojodu
• Further out: Ikorodu, Festac, Ojo, Isolo, Egbeda, Alimosho, Agege and Badagry

The network also includes Reliance Family Clinics. See the full list with addresses on our hospitals in Lagos page.

How to choose an HMO in Lagos

1. Start with location. Lagos traffic makes distance matter. Choose a plan that includes good hospitals near both your home and your office.
2. Check the tier. If you want a specific private hospital, confirm which plan tier includes it before you buy.
3. Look for telemedicine. Being able to chat with a doctor on your phone saves hours in traffic for minor illnesses. Reliance HMO members get 24/7 access through the Reliance Care app. Download it for iPhone or Android.
4. Compare benefit limits and cover. Make sure the plan covers what you are likely to need, such as maternity care or chronic conditions.
5. Confirm the HMO is NHIA-accredited. This also matters for meeting the Lagos State requirement.

Frequently asked questions

Is health insurance compulsory in Lagos?
Yes. Since July 2024, Lagos State requires residents, employers and workers to have health insurance, either through Ilera Eko or an approved HMO.

Is Ilera Eko an HMO?
No. Ilera Eko is the Lagos State health insurance scheme, run by LASHMA. HMOs are private companies that manage health plans.

Which is the best HMO in Lagos?
The best HMO for you is one with good hospitals near you, clear pricing, fast approvals and digital tools. Read our guide to the best HMO in Nigeria.

Can I use my HMO at any hospital in Lagos?
No. You can use hospitals in your HMO’s network that are included in your plan tier. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital and contact your HMO.

Can I keep my existing HMO under the Lagos rule?
Yes, if your HMO is NHIA-accredited and registered with Lagos State. Ask your HMO to confirm.

Related guides: HMO in Abuja, HMO in Port Harcourt and how to register for an HMO.

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