Is Health Insurance Coverage Really That Important?
Let’s talk about Chika…..
She’s 28, lives in Lagos, and if you had met her two years ago, you would probably say, “That girl has her life together.”
A healthy lady, full of energy, self employed, and squeezing in gym sessions between her cake baking and weekend owambes.
Like most people her age, Health Insurance was the least of her worries. Why would it be? She wasn’t sick and rarely got sick. She had no “big” health problems.
In her mind, insurance was just another adulting bill for older people or those with kids.
Then one random Tuesday, she felt this weird, sharp pain in her chest. At first she thought it was stress. Maybe excess gas. But hours passed, and it didn’t go away. She tried to tough it out, until her neighbor insisted on taking her to the nearest hospital.
The diagnosis was not life-threatening, thank God. But the bill? That one nearly gave her another heart attack.
Chika didn’t have health insurance.
So for every test, every injection and the overnight stays in the hospital, she had to pay for it all.
That period made her realize something important. That being young and “healthy” doesn’t mean you’re safe.That scare changed how she saw things.
Because when it comes to one’s health, it’s not just about today, it’s about the things you can’t plan for. The unexpected.
In Nigeria, health insurance still gets a lot of side-eyes.
Not because people don’t care. It’s because too many myths surround it. Some say it’s too expensive. Others think it’s pointless if you’re young and healthy. And some believe prayer alone is enough (don’t worry, we’ll get to that).
This story isn’t unique to Chika. Across the country, thousands of people are one unexpected illness away from serious financial stress. Yet despite how necessary health insurance is, it still feels like a mystery or worse, a scam to many.
It’s time to get real about health insurance coverage in Nigeria…..what it is, what it isn’t, and why so many people are getting it wrong.
Myth 1: Health Insurance is Too Expensive
Majority believe that health insurance is only for those that are wealthy. And it’s easy to think that way, especially when you’re juggling bills and trying to make ends meet.
This belief prevents many from getting the protection they need. The truth is that health insurance is not just for high earners, it’s for anyone who wants to avoid being blindsided by medical bills.
Today, many insurance providers offer flexible health insurance plans built to match different income levels. You don’t need to break the bank to get a solid cover.
In fact, paying a manageable yearly premium is often far cheaper than covering the full cost of an emergency room visit or a sudden diagnosis out of pocket.
Instead of waiting for a crisis to hit, you’re choosing to stay ready. That’s not just smart planning; it’s peace of mind. And peace of mind shouldn’t be a luxury. It should be something everyone can have access to.
Myth 2: I Don’t Need to have Insurance — I Can Just Pray
Faith is an important part of life for many of us in Nigeria.
When something unexpected happens, prayer often feels like the natural first step to take, and that’s truly okay.
Believing in divine protection brings comfort. But leaning only on prayer without taking action can leave you exposed, especially in times of crisis.
The reality is that trusting God doesn’t mean stepping away from responsibilities .
You still wear a seatbelt even if you’ve prayed for a safe journey. You still lock your doors at night, even after asking for protection. In the same way, getting a health cover isn’t a sign of weak faith.. It’s a smart move that works hand-in-hand with what you believe.
Health insurance doesn’t replace your faith, it strengthens your ability to face life’s challenges. And in that moment, you can focus on recovery, not the stress of hospital bills.
Myth 3: I’m Too Young and Healthy to Need Health Insurance
A lot of young people always think this way….
I’m healthy, I eat right daily and I rarely get sick, so why should I bother with insurance?
It feels like something you shouldn’t worry about. Something to think about when you’re older or dealing with health issues. But that kind of thinking can leave you exposed when life takes an unexpected turn.
The truth is that, being healthy today doesn’t make you immune to tomorrow’s surprises. Sudden illnesses, or unexpected diagnoses can happen at any time.
And when they happen, they can hit both your body and your wallet. Without insurance, you will have to pay out of pocket for even basic healthcare.
With insurance, you get health protection. Whether it’s an emergency, routine check-ups, lab tests, or just for prescriptions.
Getting health insurance while you’re young and healthy is one of the smartest financial decisions you can make for yourself.
You get to pay less, get more options, and build health security before you actually need it. It’s not about expecting the worst, it’s about being ready for anything, and giving yourself peace of mind in the long run.
Myth 4: Health Insurance Only Covers Major Illnesses
It’s easy to assume that health insurance only kicks in during emergencies, but it actually offers a wide range of benefits that support your health and finances year-round.
People miss out on the everyday benefits of having health insurance coverage because they assume that it is just for big emergencies.
In fact, private health insurance plans in Nigeria often cover a wide range of things beyond just hospital visits.
You can get support for routine doctor consultations , preventive care like vaccinations, lab tests, and even medication prescriptions. This means that you are protected during a health crisis and also equipped to stay healthy.
When you choose an affordable health insurance coverage, you will be making sure that you’re covered for both the expected and the unexpected. It’s an investment in your overall well-being.
Myth 5: Health Insurance Is Too Complicated to Understand
If you’ve ever looked at an insurance policy and felt overwhelmed by all the things you saw, you’re not alone.
A lot of people believe that health insurance is too complicated to even consider, but that’s changing with the rise of HMOs.
Health insurance providers in Nigeria now offer simple plans with easy-to-understand terms and plenty of resources to help you navigate the process.
In the past, understanding health insurance might have seemed like decoding a puzzle. But today, there are clearer explanations, accessible customer support, and online resources that make it easier to choose the right plan for yourself and loved ones.
The key is to start small, take the time to learn the basics, ask questions, and make sure you’re comfortable with your options.
When you understand your coverage, you’ll feel more confident in your decision.
Now that we’ve shed light on some of the most common myths about health insurance, let’s talk about where to begin your journey towards getting quality health protection.
Why Health Insurance Should Be a Priority
You now know why health insurance coverage matters, the next question is simple: Where do you begin?
If you’re looking for health insurance coverage that is affordable,reliable and flexible, myAdvantage Health Cover is a smart place to start.
It is designed with real-life needs in mind, myAdvantage offers you a customized plan that works for different lifestyles and income levels.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a young adult that is just starting out, a parent in need of health cover for your family, or someone managing long-term health concerns, myAdvantage makes sure you’re protected without the stress of unaffordable premiums.
myAdvantage Health Cover delivers exceptional value, offering comprehensive coverage, top-notch medical care, and unique features like cash-back guarantees if you don’t use your benefits.
Which means that your money works for you, even when you’re healthy. myAdvantage brings you confidence, control, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your health is in good hands.
The Sooner You Get Covered, the Smarter You’ll Feel
At the end of the day, health insurance isn’t just another expense. It’s preparation. It’s peace of mind. It’s knowing that if life suddenly shifts, you’re not left stranded or stressing over hospital bills you didn’t see coming.
We all hope to stay healthy and by God’s grace, many of us will. But hope is not a strategy. Protecting yourself today means you won’t have to panic tomorrow.
Doesn’t matter if you’re young and thriving like Chika was, or just trying to stay afloat in today’s economy, health insurance is for you.
It’s not complicated. It’s not out of reach. And it doesn’t mean you’re expecting the worst , it simply means you’re being smart about your future.
Don’t wait until something forces your hand.
Start small. Ask questions. Talk to the team at myMedicines…. they’ll help you understand better.
When you’re ready to make a move, myAdvantage Health Cover is right there with a flexible plan and real support that fits your life.
Protecting your health shouldn’t be a luxury. It should be your right and your next smart decision.
