Travel Insurance for Nigerians in 2025: What to Buy and Why

If you are travelling from Nigeria in 2025, travel insurance is not optional—it is a requirement for Schengen visas and a smart safety net everywhere else. This guide explains the policy types, coverage limits, and pitfalls we see most often so you can buy once and buy right.

Think of travel insurance as a layered risk hedge: medical expenses, medical evacuation, trip interruption, personal liability, and baggage integrity. Not every traveller needs premium tiers, but under-insuring long-haul or multi-country itineraries exposes you to cascading costs if a single disruption ripples through the journey.

Is travel insurance mandatory?#

Schengen embassies require a policy that covers at least €30,000 in emergency medical expenses, is valid across all member states, and spans your full trip duration. The UK, US, UAE, and many others do not mandate cover, but airlines and visa officers increasingly ask for proof—especially for long stays.

Cruise segments, adventure excursions (skiing, diving, desert trekking), or remote destination add-ons may require activity riders. Verify if your insurer excludes specific regions for geopolitical or epidemic reasons. Always read the definition of ‘trip start’—some policies void claims if you purchase after leaving Nigeria.

• Schengen: medical cover ≥ €30,000, valid in all member states
• UK/US/UAE: strongly recommended; some programs or schools may require it
• Transit-only trips: still consider medical/emergency cover for disruptions

Coverage limits to look for#

1. Emergency medical: at least $50,000–$100,000 for non-Schengen routes; €30,000 minimum for Schengen
2. Medical evacuation and repatriation: $100,000+ recommended
3. Trip cancellation/interruption: ensure the limit matches your prepaid costs
4. Baggage delay/loss: check per-item caps for electronics
5. Pre-existing conditions: confirm disclosure rules and waiting periods

Pay close attention to deductibles and sub-limits (dental emergency caps, daily hospital room ceilings). A low sticker price sometimes masks restrictive sub-limits that transfer more liability to you in real events. For electronics-heavy travellers, confirm if high-value items need serial number declarations for full recovery.

Single-trip vs annual multi-trip#

Frequent flyers from Lagos or Abuja save with annual multi-trip plans, but watch the maximum trip length (often 30–60 days). Families should compare child add-on rates; corporate travellers may be covered by company policies but must review exclusions.

If you exceed the max trip length on an annual policy (e.g., staying 75 days where the cap is 60), the entire claim could be void. Track departure and re-entry days in a simple spreadsheet or automated calendar to reset coverage cycles. For gap periods, consider a short single-trip top-up policy.

“The best policy is the one you can actually use—know your emergency number, keep digital copies, and understand exclusions.”

— Habdat Xpress Insurance Desk

Store a laminated emergency card inside your wallet listing policy number, insurer hotline (international + local access numbers), and key exclusions you must avoid (e.g., high-risk sports). Educate travelling companions so someone else can call if you are incapacitated.

Have a complex itinerary or pre-existing condition? Share your route and we will recommend a policy that keeps you compliant and protected—without overpaying.

Final tip: screenshot live chat or email confirmation when insurers approve a pre-existing condition disclosure—this audit trail helps overturn any later dispute at claims stage.