111. INSURANCE - Jack’s Japa Empowerment - Diaspora Handbook - Nijaa Diaspora Empowerment - Nijaa Immigrant Handbook - Jack Lookman

111. INSURANCE

In Nigeria, many people go without insurance, relying on faith, family, or luck. However, in the United Kingdom, insurance is a system of protection that can keep you safe from tragedy. The premise behind health, car, home, and life insurance is the same: you pay little amounts on a regular basis so that you are protected if something unexpected happens.

Take vehicle insurance as an example. In the UK, it is mandatory rather than optional. If you drive without it, you could face fines, penalties, and even a criminal record. Insurance provides financial protection in addition to legal compliance. One accident without insurance might deplete your funds and leave you in debt. The same is true for home or contents insurance. If fire, theft, or damage occurs, insurance helps you recover. Without it, you are left alone to carry the burden.

Nigerians also undervalue health insurance. While the NHS provides free healthcare, it does have limits, such as high wait times, certain restrictions, and limited coverage in some circumstances. Private health insurance provides faster access and more options. Life insurance is equally important. Too many Nigerians abroad die without it, leaving families scrambling for funds to meet burial expenses. 

Insurance is not a waste of money, as many Nigerians believe. It provides peace of mind. It provides protection from uncertainty. The little monthly premiums may appear to be a hardship, but when compared to the potential losses, they are insignificant. Insurance ensures that a single unfortunate incident does not undo years of hard work. It is a means of securing your progress abroad. So, as you build your life in the UK, do not neglect insurance. Educate yourself, compare policies, and choose wisely. Whether for health, car, home, income protection, or life, insurance is a shield you cannot afford to live without.