Both the Department of Commerce in Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos can provide business travelers with further details. Diagnostic and treatment equipment is most often poorly maintained and many medicines are unavailable. Counterfeit pharmaceuticals are a common problem and may be difficult to distinguish from genuine medications. This is particularly true of generics purchased at local pharmacies or street markets. While Nigeria has many well-trained doctors, hospital facilities are generally of poor quality with inadequately trained nursing staffs.
Hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.
U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Please check with your own insurance company to confirm whether your policy applies overseas. A provision for medical evacuation is strongly encouraged due to the near total lack of trauma care or other sophisticated care for the critically ill or injured in Nigeria. Please ascertain whether payment will be made to an overseas hospital or doctor or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.