NHIA vs NHIS in Nigeria: What Changed and Where to Get Help
The NHIA was established by the 2022 Act, replacing the former NHIS Act. Check current provider and personal benefit details with official sources.
Quick answer
NHIS was the former National Health Insurance Scheme; the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) was established under the 2022 Act, which replaced the 1999 NHIS Act. Today, use NHIA’s current official information for provider and scheme questions, then confirm your personal eligibility, benefits and provider access with the relevant scheme.
What changed
The NHIA says it was established under the National Health Insurance Act signed into law on 19 May 2022, replacing the former NHIS Act. Read the Authority’s NHIA Act information for the legal change and consult the gazetted Act for the law itself.
People may still use “NHIS” when talking about older cards, employer arrangements or insurance generally. That wording alone does not tell you which programme administers your cover or whether a benefit is current. Check the name of the scheme on your documents and contact its official support channel.
Where to get help
For a provider question, search the NHIA’s participating health care providers list. For a personal coverage question, also contact the scheme or HMO named on your card. Ask whether the exact facility and department are in your current network, whether you need a referral or approval and whether any co-payment or limit applies. Keep the response and date for reference.
If you are unsure whether an old card or employer arrangement is still active, ask the administrator to confirm your current enrollment and the steps required to update your details. Do not share sensitive identity or payment details through an unverified social-media account or a link sent by an unknown person.
HealthFacilities.ng and provider access
The HealthFacilities.ng directory helps you search its published facility records by name and area. It does not currently verify NHIA participation or your plan benefits. Use directory search to find a facility record, then cross-check with NHIA and your scheme before relying on coverage.
The law and provider networks can change. For a decision about your own cover, use current official NHIA and scheme information rather than an old article or an informal post.
Sources and further reading
- NHIA Act · National Health Insurance AuthorityOfficial summary states that the 2022 Act replaced the NHIS Act of 1999.
- NHIA Act 2022 gazetted copy · National Health Insurance AuthorityPrimary legal text; article should be checked by a qualified reviewer before publication.
- Participating Health Care Providers · National Health Insurance AuthorityOfficial provider lookup; individual plan access must be confirmed with the scheme.
Health information here is general and does not replace advice from a qualified health professional. Directory records do not confirm that a facility is open or offers a particular service today. Contact the facility before travelling.