If someone you love becomes seriously ill in Nigeria while you are abroad, call for professional help immediately. Gather the details below while help is being arranged; do not delay the call to complete a checklist.
Call for professional help now
Call BlueLight on +234 803 688 2720 from abroad, or 080 3688 2720 in Nigeria. Tell the dispatcher if the person is unconscious, not breathing normally, or has severe symptoms. Follow their instructions.
Get the key facts
Share what happened, when symptoms began, whether the person is conscious and breathing normally, the exact location and landmarks, and a local callback number. Have known conditions, allergies and medicines ready if available.
Coordinate the right receiving hospital
The clinical team assesses the care needed and coordinates with an appropriate receiving facility. For suspected stroke, timely assessment and access to brain imaging and stroke care matter; an ICU alone does not define a suitable hospital. Ask about admission arrangements and costs without delaying urgent help. Family Shield offers a hospital-deposit advance under agreed terms.
Keep family communication clear
Choose one local contact and one authorised contact abroad. Agree a private update channel, including WhatsApp where appropriate. Share medical information only with the patient’s permission or appropriate authority, rather than a wider family group by default.
Why speed matters: stroke, heart attack and major trauma need urgent assessment. Treatment windows vary; there is no single 60-minute rule for every emergency. Do not wait to see whether serious symptoms settle.
When local care is not enough: we coordinate ground-to-air transfer, medical handover and receiving-team arrangements through air-ambulance partners, within and outside Nigeria. Medevac is quoted per mission and is not a Family Shield benefit.
After the emergency: obtain the discharge summary, clarify the medication schedule and confirm follow-up dates. Arrange tests and rehabilitation when recommended by the treating team. Regular primary care can help identify and manage risks, but cannot prevent every emergency. Family Shield Plus includes two primary-care home visits a year with welfare assessments and blood tests, with results shared with authorised family contacts.
A calmer way: register your interest in Family Shield before an emergency — from $25/month, billed annually ($300/year). The deposit advance is interest-free and repayable within 30 days; up to ₦500,000 for Family Shield or ₦750,000 for Family Shield Plus; eligibility is confirmed before enrolment.
Symptoms that need urgent attention
Sudden face drooping, arm weakness or speech difficulty can be signs of stroke. Severe chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, collapse or major injury also need urgent professional assessment. These examples are not a complete list. Tell the dispatcher what you observe and when it started; do not try to diagnose the condition yourself.
What should an ambulance transfer include?
- A crew and equipment suited to the patient’s assessed needs.
- Clinical observation and appropriate support during the journey.
- Coordination with the receiving hospital and a clear handover.
- Updates to the authorised family contact.
Ask the team what is available for your location and situation. Do not delay an emergency call while comparing providers.
How much does it cost?
One-off transfers are quoted for the route and clinical support required. Ask for the transfer costs and hospital charges to be explained separately while urgent care is being arranged. Family Shield is $25/month billed annually ($300/year); Family Shield Plus is $50/month billed annually ($600/year), in USD. Each subscription covers up to 2 named family members and includes two in-city emergency transfers each year. Accident cover starts from day one; non-accident cover starts after 30 days. Inter-state transfers are separate at member rates.
The hospital-deposit advance is interest-free and repayable within 30 days. The advance limit is ₦500,000 for Family Shield and ₦750,000 for Family Shield Plus. Eligibility is confirmed before enrolment. It does not pay the entire hospital bill. Air ambulance and medevac missions are excluded from both plans and quoted separately.
Frequently asked questions
My family lives in a smaller city. Can you help?
Family Shield is available in all Nigerian cities. BlueLight coordinates transfers across Nigeria; response arrangements and availability are confirmed for each request.
Can I pay from abroad?
Yes. After you register interest, we discuss your annual subscription or one-off transfer and share payment arrangements privately.
What if my parent/relative has pre-existing health conditions?
Tell us about existing conditions when enrolling. The plan’s inclusions and waiting periods still apply. Clinical details should be shared privately with the team.
Is the interest form for emergencies?
No. For urgent help, call +234 803 688 2720. Do not wait for a web-form reply.
Make a plan before the emergency
Register your interest, tell us your family’s city and choose a plan. We’ll be in touch within one business day. Payment arrangements are shared privately after we speak.
Register your interest in Family ShieldGeneral information, not individual medical advice. Follow the treating team’s instructions.
Medical information sources
NHS: recognising stroke symptoms · WHO: timely emergency and critical care. These sources support the general medical guidance, not BlueLight’s commercial plan terms. In Nigeria, use the local contact numbers shown on this page.