When most Nigerians think about travelling abroad, the “insurance” part is often just seen as a document you pay for to satisfy the embassy during a visa interview. You might get the cheapest one available, print the certificate, and never look it up again.

But if you’ve ever been stranded in a London airport or you suddenly fall ill, you know that insurance is actually your “plan B” for when things go south.

Here is a simple breakdown of what you actually need before you board that flight from Lagos or Abuja.

1. Comprehensive medical coverage

This is the most important part. In Nigeria, we are used to paying a few thousand naira for a consultation. In Europe, the US, or even UAE, the costs are massive.

First, look for a policy that covers hospital stays, surgeries, and emergency dental work. In countries with high healthcare costs, a simple procedure can easily run into tens of thousands of naira. If you are hiking in a remote area or visiting a region with subpar medical facilities, you need coverage that will pay to transport you back to your home country.

2. Trip cancellation

We all know the stress of Nigerian passport logistics. Sometimes, you’ve paid for your flight and hotel, but your visa doesn’t come out on time, or a family emergency happens.

Protection that refunds your non-refundable ticket is very key. It is noteworthy that many standard policies don’t cover “visa refusal,” so if that’s your main worry, ask the insurance company specifically for a policy that includes it.

3. Missing bags at the airport

We’ve all seen the news of luggage going missing during layovers in different countries. The airline might eventually find your bag, but what do you wear in the meantime? What you need is a “baggage delay” cover. This gives you some cash to buy basic clothes and toiletries while you wait for your suitcase to arrive.

4. Flight delays and connections

Connecting flights can be tricky. If your first flight out of Nigeria is delayed and you miss your second flight in Europe or the Middle East, you could be stuck at the airport for 24 hours. An insurance policy that covers your hotel and feeding if the delay is the airline’s fault or due to bad weather is what you need. This saves you from sleeping on airport benches.

Simple tips before you buy policy

1. Check your bank/platinum card
Some “Gold” or “Platinum” naira cards from Nigerian banks come with free basic travel insurance. Call your account officer to check before you spend extra money.
2. Don’t just go for “cheapest”
A 5,000 naira policy might satisfy the embassy, but it might not pay a single kobo if you actually get sick.
3. Read the “no-go” list
Most insurance won’t pay if you were doing something very dangerous (like bungee jumping) or if you were drunk when the accident happened.
4. Keep a digital copy: Don’t just leave the paper in your suitcase. Keep a picture of the insurance policy and their emergency contact number on your phone and send it to your next of kin.