How to check an HMO's hospital list before you sign
A long hospital list looks good on paper. What matters is whether your staff can reach good hospitals quickly. A simple way to check.
The hospital list (also called the provider network) decides how your staff experience their HMO every day. A plan with great benefits is not much use if the nearest good hospital is two hours away in traffic.
Step 1: Map where your staff are
List your office locations and the areas where most staff live. In a city like Lagos, where someone lives can matter more than where the office is. A hospital near home is often what people use most, especially for their families.
Step 2: Check hospitals on each plan
- Ask each HMO for the full list for the exact plan tier you are considering. Lists often differ by tier.
- Look for at least two or three good hospitals in each area your staff live.
- Check that the list includes hospitals with 24-hour emergency care.
- Check for specialist hospitals your team may need, such as maternity or paediatric care.
Step 3: Call a few hospitals yourself
Lists are not always up to date. Call two or three hospitals and ask: "Do you currently accept patients from this HMO, on this plan?" It takes ten minutes and can save a lot of frustration.
Step 4: Ask your team
Your staff already know which hospitals are good in their area and which ones to avoid. Share the shortlist and ask for feedback before you decide.
Action plan
Your hospital list action plan
- 1
Map your team
List office locations and the areas where most staff live.
- 2
Get lists for the right tier
Ask each shortlisted HMO for the hospital list for your exact plan.
- 3
Count good options per area
Aim for two or three trusted hospitals near each group of staff.
- 4
Call to confirm
Phone a few hospitals to check they still accept the plan.
- 5
Ask staff for feedback
Share the shortlist and let people flag hospitals they trust or avoid.
