Where Nigerians go for healthcare abroad
For many Nigerians, getting the right medical care sometimes means looking beyond our borders. Whether it’s for advanced surgery, a second opinion, or even a life-saving procedure, medical travel has become an important option. But where do you start? Which country is best for your condition? How do you plan the journey without getting overwhelmed?
This guide walks you through some of the most popular destinations for Nigerians seeking medical treatment abroad and what they are best known for.
Why Nigerians travel abroad for healthcare
Healthcare quality, availability of specialised treatments, and cost are big factors influencing medical travel. Some treatments or technologies simply aren’t available locally, or the wait time is too long. For others, it’s about knowing you’re getting care from a hospital that handles thousands of similar cases every year.
But along with these decisions come challenges:
- How do you find the right hospital and doctor?
- What visa do you need?
- How do you arrange flights and accommodation near the hospital?
- What happens after surgery? Can you follow up back home?
RELATED: How we make medical treatment abroad less overwhelming
This is where Leryhago steps in, working with trusted healthcare partners to take care of the medical coordination while we handle your travel logistics.
Through our partners, we provide the following:
Partner triage: senior clinicians review your notes and match you to a hospital/doctor.
Visa and travel plans: we assemble invitation letters, book flights/hotels, and plan airport transfers.
On-ground support: meet-and-assist, interpreter (if needed), accompaniment to appointments.
Debrief and return: discharge planning, fit-to-fly advice, flight home.
Aftercare: follow-up calls, tele-reviews, and referral to trusted Nigerian clinicians.
Where Nigerians go for medical care abroad. A look at popular destinations
United Kingdom
The UK is a top choice for Nigerians who want world-class care, especially for complex surgeries, cancer treatment (oncology), orthopaedics (hip and knee replacements), and neurological care.
Why choose the UK:
- English-speaking environment
- Strong reputation for quality care
- You likely already have family or support networks in the UK
Things you’ll want to know
Visa: You’ll apply for a UK visitor visa for medical treatment. Our partners provide the required hospital letters to make this process easier.
Flights: Direct flights from Lagos to London and Manchester are available.
Stay: Longer stays may be needed for complex treatments, so plan accommodation close to the hospital.
How Leryhago helps
Through our partners, we secure appointments with leading hospitals and specialists, assist with visa paperwork, arrange airport pickups, and book hotels near the hospital.
Turkey
Turkey has become a medical tourism hub, especially for elective surgeries and cosmetic treatments. It’s a powerhouse for cosmetic surgery, dental care, LASIK eye surgery, hair transplants, and also has growing expertise in complex procedures like IVF and oncology
Why choose Turkey
- Affordable packages compared to Europe or the Middle East
- Quick appointment scheduling
- Hospitals with strong international patient programs
Things to consider
Visa: Nigerians can apply for an e-visa for Turkey. Our team will guide you through this.
Flights: Turkish Airlines offers direct flights from Lagos to Istanbul.
Language: Many doctors speak English, but interpreters are available if needed.
How Leryhago helps
We connect you to vetted hospitals, not random online clinics, arrange your flights and accommodation, and make sure you have on-ground support.
Romania
Romania is popular for those seeking dental treatments and orthopaedic surgery at European standards but lower costs. It’s known for full-mouth dental restorations and implants, Orthopaedic surgeries, Bariatric (weight-loss) surgery
Why choose Romania
- Lower cost than Western Europe
- High-quality private clinics with English-speaking staff
Things to plan for
Visa: Romania follows EU visa policies; medical invitation letters strengthen your application.
Flights: One-stop flights from Nigeria via major European hubs.
How Leryhago helps
Our partners provide clinic referrals, cost estimates, and treatment plans before you travel. We handle travel and hotel bookings.
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Egypt
Egypt is one of the closest destinations to Nigeria offering patients advanced medical care at affordable prices. It’s popular for cardiac surgery, kidney transplants, orthopaedics and trauma care, and cosmetic procedures.
Why choose Egypt
- Short flight from Nigeria
- Lower costs compared to UAE or UK
What to know
Visa: Medical visas are needed.
Flights: Direct flights from Lagos to Cairo are available.
How Leryhago helps
Through our partners, we coordinate your treatment plan with hospitals in Cairo and handle airport transfers, accommodation, and interpreter support.
India
India has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for medical tourism from Nigeria, and for good reason. India is a global leader in complex cardiac and orthopedic surgeries, organ transplants, cancer and fertility treatments.
Why choose India:
- Spend 50-70% less than the same procedures in the USA or UK, without compromising on quality.
- Highly skilled medical professionals
- English is widely spoken
- Well-established infrastructure for international patients
Things to know
Visa: A letter from a certified hospital is required for a medical visa
Flights: The travel duration is longer than to some other destinations.
Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a strong choice for highly specialised treatments like organ transplants, advanced heart care, and diabetes and endocrinology care
Why choose KSA:
- High-quality hospitals and specialists
- Cultural familiarity and the possibility to combine care with religious visits
What you should know
Visa: A medical visa is needed; our partners secure hospital letters for this.
Flights: Direct routes to Jeddah and Riyadh exist, especially during peak travel seasons.
How Leryhago helps
From coordinating transplant evaluations to arranging family-friendly accommodation, we make sure your trip is well organised.
USA and Canada
For rare conditions, cutting-edge treatments, or clinical trials, the US and Canada are top choices. These countries are at the forefront of medical research and innovation. They are the go-to for rare diseases, advanced clinical trials, and highly complex, life-threatening conditions where every other option has been exhausted.
Why choose USA/Canada:
- Access to the latest medical technology and research
- Top-ranked hospitals and highly specialised doctors
What to know
Visa: A US medical visa (B-type) or Canada’s TRV is required and hospital letters are essential.
Flights: Multiple flight routes via Europe or Middle East hubs.
How Leryhago helps
Our partners manage hospital referrals and appointment scheduling, while we take care of visas, flights, and extended-stay housing for you and your family.
South Korea
South Korea boasts some of the most advanced medical technology in the world, excelling in areas like cosmetic surgery, cancer treatment, and robotic surgery.
Why choose South Korea:
- Highly advanced hospitals at competitive costs compared to the West
- Innovative therapies and efficient care systems
What to consider
Visa: Medical visas require hospital confirmation letters; we handle this with our partners.
Flights: 1-stop flights via Middle East hubs to Seoul.
Language: The language barrier is significant
How Leryhago helps
We manage everything from hospital selection to interpreter support and city navigation.
Next Step
Thinking about getting medical treatment abroad?
Contact Leryhago today to explore your options and let us build a plan that works for you.
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