If you live outside Nigeria, you've probably wondered whether you can actually arrange a proper doctor for family back home — or whether it's more hassle than it's worth. The short answer: yes, you can, and it's genuinely straightforward. This guide walks through exactly how it works so you know what to expect before you start.
Yes — and here's the key point
You can book a verified Nigerian doctor from anywhere in the world and pay with your own card. The one thing that stays fixed is where the care happens: your relative is seen by a Nigerian-licensed doctor, in Nigeria. You're the person arranging and paying for it from abroad. That's what makes it simple and above-board — nothing about the medical care leaves the country.
How it works, start to finish
- Create a free account with your email — from any country.
- Add your relative as a family member so you can book on their behalf. They don't need their own account.
- Pick a doctor and time — a GP for everyday needs or a specialist for something specific.
- Pay at checkout with an international Visa, Mastercard or Verve card.
- Your relative joins the video call at home in Nigeria and speaks to the doctor face to face.
That's it. Most of the effort is a one-time setup; after that, booking again takes a couple of minutes.
"Will my international card actually work?"
Yes. Checkout is handled securely and accepts international Visa, Mastercard and Verve cards. You're charged in Nigerian Naira and your own bank converts the currency — you don't need a Nigerian card or a Nigerian bank account. It works the same way any international online payment does.
"Are these real, qualified doctors?"
Yes. Every doctor on Lonia is MDCN-verified (registered with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria) and admin-approved before they can see any patient. Specialists' qualifications are checked too. You can see a doctor's specialty and experience on their profile before you book.
What it's good for — and what it isn't
Online consultations handle most everyday and ongoing concerns well: check-ups, blood-pressure and diabetes management, infections, malaria and typhoid follow-up, skin, women's and children's health, mental health, and repeat prescriptions. What they can't do is a physical examination, a hands-on procedure, or emergency care — if the doctor judges any of these are needed, they'll tell you and point you to in-person care. For an emergency, your relative should go straight to the nearest hospital.
What it costs
No subscription. You pay per consultation, and the fee — set by each doctor — is shown clearly before you pay. GPs are the most affordable; specialists cost more. If medication is prescribed, you can order it for delivery in Nigeria separately.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book a Nigerian doctor online from abroad? Yes. Create an account, add your relative, choose a doctor and time, and pay with your international card. Your relative joins the video call in Nigeria.
Do I need a Nigerian card or bank account? No. International Visa, Mastercard and Verve cards work; you pay in Naira and your bank converts.
Where does the consultation take place? Your relative attends the video call from home in Nigeria, with a Nigerian-licensed doctor. You simply arrange and pay for it from abroad.
Can the doctor prescribe medication? Yes — a digitally signed prescription, which you can then order for delivery to your relative in Nigeria.
See how it all fits together on the family-abroad overview →, or book a consultation now →.