Nigeria Medical Tourism

Nigeria Medical Tourism Image

Nigerians:

is located on the western coast of Africa, listed as the most populated country in Africa, with the eighth largest in population in the world. While literally dominating most of West Africa in terms of economy and politics, the country has seen much internal strife in past years. At the same time, Nigeria is a beautiful country, home to Kano, West Africa's oldest city, and Yankari National Park.

Healthcare Environment
Special health services, procedures, and treatments are not readily available in Nigeria due to its economic instability. Nigeria lacks a national healthcare plan that meets the needs of its demographics, leading many middle-class and upper-class Nigerians to seek health care treatments and procedures abroad.

Why Are Nigerians Traveling Abroad for Treatment?
Nigerians and citizens from neighboring countries throughout Africa are traveling across borders for:

  • Healthcare options are not widely available in their own country.
  • Shorter wait times
  • Affordable procedures and treatments
  • Availability of specialized procedures and care abroad

Where are Nigerians Traveling for Medical Care?
Nearly 95% of Nigerians are traveling to destinations in southeast Asia and India for medical treatments, according to a recent report by McKinsey, with others traveling to Latin America or Europe and Central Europe for their health care options. Orthopedic surgical procedures procured in such destinations lead the trend.

  • Orthopedic and Spine care
    * Joint surgeries (knee, hip, elbow)
    * Disc replacement, spinal fusion  
  • Fertility Treatments
    * Artificial insemination, intrauterine insemination, pre-implantation genetic diagnosis
  • Cardiac care
    * Atrial septal defect repair, valve replacement, bypass surgeries
  • Cosmetic and plastic surgical procedures
    * Rhinoplasty, facial reconstruction, chin lifts
  • Eye/LASIK care
    * Refractive surgical procedures, cataract, glaucoma

What to Take With You
Nigerians anticipating international travel and medical care should contact the embassy of the country they wish to visit for list of requirements to obtain a passport and visa, if required by the destination country.

Contact a medical facility directly or PlacidWay.com, a major medical provider regarding options and locations for the type of medical care you are interested in. Documents may include but are not limited to:

  • Medical records - including recent treatments/procedures
  • List of medications - don't forget to mention any allergies
  • Consultation or referrals from domestic health care provider
  • Detailed medical history - be prepared to answer questions regarding your social history and background.

Nigerians traveling abroad should discuss:

  • Costs - what are the costs of a medical travel package (accommodations, lab fees, physical exams, consultations, procedure costs) during the stay.
  • Prepayment requirements - and how facilities want to be paid. Do they take cash? Will Nigerians need to convert
  • Nigerian Nairi to foreign currencies? Will the facility take traveler's checks or credit card payments?
  • Details for prospective treatments - upfront payments or deposits?
  • Transportation Issues - Will facilities offer pick-up and drop-off services for arriving patients? Are taxis available, and if so, what are the rules regarding taxi rates?

Patients traveling abroad are encouraged to ask any and all questions they may have prior to booking travel or treatment arrangements in order to reduce stress and confusion. Maintain a good liaison with the medical facility you've chosen and keep their contact information with you throughout your journey.

Share this listing