Introduction
Access to affordable healthcare remains a major challenge in Nigeria, where rising medical costs have continued to push millions of households into financial distress. In a country where many citizens pay for healthcare out of pocket, visiting a hospital often means choosing between medical attention and basic survival needs. This financial strain not only limits access to timely care but also increases the risk of preventable deaths and long-term illnesses.
To understand the depth of this problem, ResearchGains conducted a nationwide survey to assess the affordability of healthcare among Nigerians. Respondents were asked about their experiences with hospital costs, emergency care, health insurance, and perceptions of value for money. The goal was to provide data-driven insights into how healthcare costs affect everyday Nigerians and what policy changes could make healthcare more accessible.
The results paint a sobering picture. A large majority of Nigerians continue to struggle with high medical expenses, with many delaying or avoiding treatment altogether. The findings highlight not only the financial pressures of seeking care but also the human impact behind every statistic, from families forced to borrow for medical bills to patients denied treatment at critical moments.
Most Nigerians Delay Hospital Visits Because of Cost
According to the survey, 70% of Nigerians admitted to delaying or avoiding hospital treatment in the last twelve months because they could not afford it. Only 30% said they had not faced such a situation. This finding shows how healthcare has become a financial decision rather than a healthy one. Many people now wait until symptoms worsen before seeking care, often resulting in higher costs and poorer outcomes.
Healthcare Costs and Financial Impact
When asked about how hospital visits affect their finances, 38% of respondents said the cost had a moderate impact, while 18% described it as severe. Another 32% experienced a mild impact, and 12% said they felt no financial pressure. These figures reveal that most Nigerians experience at least some financial discomfort when paying for hospital services. For many, one visit to the hospital can disrupt their monthly budget or lead to borrowing.
Emergency Care Still Requires Upfront Payments
Emergency care should be immediate and unconditional, but for many Nigerians, it is not. 38% of respondents said they were asked to make a deposit before receiving treatment and struggled to pay. Only 28% said they received treatment first before payment, while 22% could afford to pay immediately. This pattern shows that financial barriers are still present even in life-threatening situations, putting lives at risk and undermining public trust in the healthcare system.
What Drives the Cost of Hospital Care
The survey also explored which areas of hospital care people find most expensive. Laboratory tests were the top concern, identified by 32% of respondents, followed by surgery and drugs or prescriptions, each at 28%. Only 6% said admission and consultation fees were the most expensive. This indicates that diagnostic and treatment-related costs are the main financial burden for most patients, not necessarily hospital admission or consultation itself.
Denied Treatment Because of Inability to Pay
The affordability crisis extends beyond delayed visits. 64% of respondents said they or someone they know had been denied treatment or discharged from a hospital because they could not pay. Only 36% said they had never experienced such a situation. This reality highlights how the inability to pay for care continues to block access to basic health services, reinforcing inequality between those who can afford treatment and those who cannot.
Are Patients Getting Value for Their Money
When asked whether the care they received was worth the amount paid, 58% said it was only partly worth it, while 34% said it was completely worth it. A smaller group, 8%, felt the care was not worth it at all. This suggests that while many patients acknowledge the effort of healthcare providers, they often feel that the quality of services does not justify the cost. The perception of poor value can also discourage people from seeking formal medical care in the future.
The Limited Reach of Health Insurance
Health insurance could help reduce the burden of healthcare costs, but access and coverage remain low. 38% of respondents said they do not have health insurance. Among those who do, 32% said it covered most of their medical costs, while 24% said it only covered part of the bills. 6% said it made little difference. These findings indicate that although health insurance helps, it is not yet widespread enough to provide meaningful financial protection for the majority of Nigerians.
What Nigerians Believe Could Make Healthcare More Affordable
Respondents were also asked what measures would make healthcare more affordable. 40% of respondents called for government subsidies on medical costs, 34% wanted expanded health insurance coverage, and 16% supported free emergency care for critical cases. Another 10% said lower drug prices would help the most. These responses show a clear demand for policy-driven solutions rather than short-term fixes.
Conclusion
The findings from this ResearchGains survey reflect a healthcare system under financial strain and a population struggling to keep up with medical expenses. The fact that seven in ten Nigerians avoid hospital visits because of cost reveals the urgency of reforming healthcare financing in the country. Expanding health insurance coverage, subsidizing essential services, and guaranteeing free emergency care could go a long way in protecting Nigerians from the financial shock of illness.
Healthcare should never be a privilege reserved for those who can afford it. For Nigeria to move forward, access to quality and affordable healthcare must become a national priority, one that protects both lives and livelihoods.
