How to Settle Nigerian Medical Bills from the UK
If you’re living in the UK and need to settle medical bills in Nigeria, whether for family members, staff, or as part of a business or healthcare arrangement, you’re not alone. Many individuals and organisations face the challenge of securely and efficiently transferring funds across borders—especially to pay hospitals or clinics in Nigeria.
In this article, we explore the most reliable ways to send money for medical expenses from the UK to Nigeria, while ensuring speed, safety, and compliance with both financial regulations and hospital requirements.
✅ Common Scenarios Where UK Residents Need to Pay Nigerian Medical Bills
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Supporting elderly relatives receiving care in Nigerian hospitals
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Handling emergency medical bills for family members or dependents
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Settling invoices from Nigerian private clinics or international-standard hospitals
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Paying for planned surgeries or treatments arranged from abroad
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Corporate or NGO-related healthcare funding
🔐 Best Ways to Pay Medical Bills in Nigeria from the UK
1. International Bank Transfers (SWIFT)
One of the most direct methods is to make a SWIFT transfer from your UK bank (such as Barclays, Lloyds, or HSBC) to the hospital’s account in Nigeria. You’ll need:
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Full beneficiary details (account name, number, bank, branch code)
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The SWIFT/BIC code
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Invoice or reference for the medical bill
💡 Note: Transfer fees and exchange rates vary. SWIFT transfers may take 1–3 business days.
2. Money Transfer Apps (Wise, Remitly, Sendwave)
For faster and often more affordable transfers, consider digital remittance platforms:
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Wise: Transparent mid-market rates, transfers to NGN accounts
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Remitly: Offers bank deposit, cash pickup, or mobile wallet delivery
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Sendwave: Instant transfers to Nigerian bank accounts with no hidden fees
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WorldRemit: Accepted by many Nigerian hospitals and clinics
These platforms are especially useful for sending funds to a relative or agent who will handle the bill payment locally.
3. Paying Through a Local Representative
If the hospital doesn’t accept international payments directly, you can:
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Send funds to a trusted family member or healthcare proxy
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Have them settle the medical bill in person or via local transfer
This method is common in emergency cases when speed is crucial.
4. Hospital Payment Gateways or Insurance Providers
Some high-end private hospitals in Nigeria allow online or international payments:
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Evercare Hospital Lagos
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Reddington Hospital
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Eko Hospital
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Lagoon Hospitals
These facilities may offer:
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USD bank account details
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Online card payment portals
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Medical tourism coordinators
Additionally, if you’re using international health insurance, the hospital may liaise with UK-based insurers for direct billing.
⚠️ Things to Confirm Before Sending Payment
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Ensure the hospital accepts international transfers or online payments
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Double-check the invoice amount in local or foreign currency
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Request a payment receipt or remittance confirmation
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Confirm with your bank or payment provider about any compliance or documentation requirements
💼 Wigmore Trading: Supporting Your Cross-Border Medical Payment Needs
At Wigmore Trading, we understand the complexity of cross-border payments, especially when they involve critical services like healthcare. Whether you’re an individual, business, or organisation needing to settle hospital fees or recurring medical expenses in Nigeria, we can help you:
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Facilitate secure international payments
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Procure and deliver medical supplies to Nigerian hospitals
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Assist NGOs or expatriate families managing healthcare logistics
With over a decade of experience in West African markets, our team ensures fast, transparent, and reliable solutions for all your Nigeria-to-UK or UK-to-Nigeria financial needs.
📞 Need assistance with settling Nigerian hospital bills?
Contact Wigmore Trading today – your trusted partner in cross-border payments and healthcare support in Nigeria.
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