With nearly 80% of Nigerians lacking health insurance and 46% of the population living in poverty, access to essential healthcare remains a major challenge. For many, the high out-of-pocket costs for medical treatment mean choosing between health and other basic needs.
To address this gap, healthtech startup Advantage Health Africa (AHA) has launched a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)product designed to ease the financial burden of purchasing medication. The new service enables eligible Nigerians—particularly salary earners—to access medications worth up to ₦50,000, with a 30-day repayment window.
“Buy now, pay later recognises that there are moments when salary earners simply don’t have cash on hand,” said Abimbola Adebakin, CEO of Advantage Health Africa. “In a country where most healthcare expenses are out-of-pocket, our mission is to enable access, affordability, and quality.”
The BNPL service is currently accessible via WhatsApp, aligning with the company’s practice of piloting through manual channels before automation. To assess eligibility, AHA is collaborating with CRC Credit Bureau, and the company is actively seeking additional partnerships to widen the scope of coverage.
Unlike traditional BNPL models used in e-commerce and fintech, AHA’s healthcare-focused offering is designed to align closely with the realities of its users and its own supply chain:
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No interest is charged on the credit.
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Users pay a flat service fee of ₦2,500, regardless of the total cost.
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No upfront payment or installment is required.
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The 30-day repayment term mirrors the credit duration AHA receives from its pharmaceutical suppliers.
Customers needing medications that exceed the ₦50,000 threshold must pay the balance out of pocket, but the BNPL option still ensures that treatment is not delayed due to lack of immediate funds.
While the initiative does not involve direct cash transfers, Adebakin acknowledged that credit risk remains. To mitigate this, the startup will enforce rigorous credit checks and may employ ethical debt recovery methods if needed. However, she expressed optimism that the life-saving nature of the service will limit misuse.
Transforming Access Through Innovation
The BNPL model, often referred to as “Care Now, Pay Later” in healthcare, is gaining traction globally. In the U.S., companies like Affirm offer similar solutions for dental care and medical devices. Advocates argue that this model reduces financial barriers, improves treatment adherence, and promotes timely care.
In Nigeria’s case, where insurance penetration is still low, BNPL could provide a transformational stopgap for millions of underinsured or uninsured individuals. However, experts stress that sustainability will be key to its long-term success.
Advantage Health Africa currently funds the program through credit from its suppliers, but any increase in default rates could jeopardize these relationships. To safeguard the model, AHA restricts access to users with verified prescriptions, helping ensure responsible use.
Since its launch, AHA has generated over $6 million in revenue and served more than 100,000 users. As the startup seeks new funding, a portion will be channelled into scaling the BNPL service—potentially redefining how millions of Nigerians access and afford healthcare.
“We’re not just building a fintech solution; we’re creating a lifeline,” Adebakin affirmed.
