The Tertiary Institutions Social Health Insurance Programme (TISHIP) is a flagship health initiative by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), designed to give Nigerian tertiary students seamless access to healthcare at an incredibly affordable rate—just ₦2,000 per academic session. Though many are eligible, a large number remain unaware or under‑utilized. This post provides a clear, updated guide to TISHIP and how it works.

Why TISHIP Matters

• Universal Access for Students: TISHIP ensures every student in public and private tertiary institutions in Nigeria—including universities, polytechnics, colleges—gets health coverage, regardless of socioeconomic status.
• Financial Security: By prepaying just ₦2,000 per year, students and their families avoid catastrophic out-of-pocket expenses for illness or injury.
• Healthier Learning Environments: Reliable campus health funding improves the quality of student clinics, enables preventive care outreach, and supports better academic performance

How TISHIP Works

Students pay ₦2,000 each academic session. Some schools bundle it with school or registration fees. After payment, students receive a TISHIP health insurance ID card, often tied to their student ID.

Using the Service

• Primary Care: If you are a student, to use the service, visit your campus health center as first port of call for outpatient consultations, basic labs, and minor treatments.
• Off‑campus or Emergency Care: Per National Health Insurance Authority, if you’re ill during breaks or require emergency care off‑campus, you are eligible to visit any NHIA-accredited facility. You must inform the closest NHIA office (national or state level) within 48 hours of receiving care

What TISHIP Covers

TISHIP’s standard benefit package offers a range of primary and some secondary healthcare services:

• Outpatient consultations
• Treatment of common ailments (malaria, respiratory infections, minor injuries)
• Specialist consults: dental, eye, ENT
• Family planning, antenatal and normal delivery care
• Simple surgical procedures and lab or radiology services as needed.

How Students Can Make the Most of TISHIP

1. Confirm Payment: Check your school fees receipt for the ₦2,000 TISHIP contribution. If it is not included in your school fees, ask your school how to enroll and make payment.
2. Register and Collect ID: Ensure you get your TISHIP insurance card, usually issued at the campus clinic.
3. Know the Coverage: Visit your institution’s health center first for outpatient needs; keep a list of approved off-campus NHIA providers in case of emergencies.
4. Follow Protocol for Emergencies: Seek care if needed and inform your local NHIA office within 48 hours.
5. Raise Awareness: Join or support your SUG or health committee to educate peers about TISHIP.
6. Report Issues: If services are poor or unavailable, escalate to your campus TISHIP committee or NHIA regional office.
7. Save Documentation: Keep all treatment records for follow-ups or reimbursement queries.

Conclusion

TISHIP remains one of Nigeria’s most student-friendly health insurance programs—offering essential care for just ₦2,000/year. When implemented well, it promotes preventive healthcare, financial security, and institutional capacity.