How I Got ₦2 Million Hospital Bill Paid by NHIS (My True Survival Story)
It started with a sharp pain in my stomach. At first, I thought it was just bad food, but within hours, I was sweating, vomiting, and barely able to stand. My wife rushed me to a private hospital in Lagos, where doctors diagnosed me with acute appendicitis I needed emergency surgery immediately.
Then came the shocker:
“The total cost will be ₦2 million.”
I nearly passed out, not from the pain, but from panic. As a civil servant earning ₦120,000 a month, there was no way I could afford this. That’s when I remembered: I had NHIS coverage.
What followed was a 72-hour battle with hospital administrators, NHIS officials, and near-bureaucratic madness. But in the end, I paid ZERO naira out of pocket.
This is my true story, and exactly how YOU can use NHIS to save your life too.
Section 1: What is NHIS & How Does It Work?
What is the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS)?
NHIS is a government-backed health insurance program created to help Nigerians access quality healthcare without financial hardship. It works like this:
You (or your employer) pay a small monthly premium (as low as ₦15,000/year)
In return, NHIS covers hospital bills, surgeries, drugs, and even maternity care
Over 10 million Nigerians are currently enrolled
Types of NHIS Plans
Formal Sector Scheme (for govt/private sector employees)
Informal Sector Scheme (for artisans, traders, freelancers)
Vulnerable Group Scheme (for pensioners, disabled, prison inmates)
I was under the Formal Sector Scheme through my civil service job.
Section 2: My Emergency & the ₦2 Million Bill
How My Health Crisis Unfolded
Day 1: Woke up with terrible stomach pain
Day 2: Admitted to a private hospital (doctors said government hospitals were too crowded)
Shocking Diagnosis: Ruptured appendix—needed surgery within 6 hours
Bill Breakdown:
Surgery: ₦850,000
Hospital stay (5 days): ₦600,000
Drugs/IVs: ₦550,000
Total: ₦2,000,000
The Moment of Truth
The hospital administrator asked:
“Cash or transfer?”
I weakly replied: “I have NHIS.”
Her face changed. “Oh…that’s different. Let me call our HMO.”
Section 3: The NHIS Claim Process (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Confirming My NHIS Validity
I called my Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)—the middleman between NHIS and hospitals
Mine was Hygeia HMO (others include AXA Mansard, AIICO, etc.)
They verified my NHIS ID number and confirmed coverage
Step 2: Hospital-HMO Negotiation
The hospital sent my diagnosis to the HMO
First rejection: HMO said my condition wasn’t “life-threatening enough” for private care
What I Did: My doctor wrote a critical emergency letter—approved in 2 hours!
Step 3: Surgery & Full Bill Coverage
No deposit required (NHIS patients don’t pay upfront)
Surgery successful
Final bill: ₦0 (NHIS paid everything)
Section 4: 5 Crucial Lessons I Learned
1. Not All Hospitals Accept NHIS
Only NHIS-accredited hospitals can bill directly. I got lucky—mine was.
✅ Pro Tip: Check NHIS’s website for accredited hospitals near you.
2. Emergency Cases Get Faster Approval
If I had a “non-emergency” like malaria, I might have been referred to a government hospital.
3. Your HMO Matters
Some HMOs (like Hygeia) respond faster than others. Research before choosing.
4. Keep Your NHIS Card Updated
Expired cards = rejected claims. Renew annually!
5. Private Hospitals Prefer Cash Patients
Some will lie that “NHIS doesn’t cover this.” Stand your ground!
Section 5: How to Enroll in NHIS Today
For Salaried Workers
Ask your HR department
They deduct premiums from salary
You get an NHIS ID card within 30 days
For Self-Employed Nigerians
Visit any NHIS office
Pay ₦15,000 – ₦45,000/year (depending on plan)
Get your ID card
For Vulnerable Groups (Free!)
Disabled persons
Aged citizens
Orphans
Register at your LGA office
Final Thoughts: Why NHIS Saved My Life
Without NHIS, I would have:
Begged for money on social media
Sold my car
Or worse,died from a treatable condition
If you’re NOT on NHIS, you’re risking financial ruin over preventable health issues. Enroll today!
