PMI cover for migraine — consultant neurology, MRI, Botox for chronic migraine and CGRP inhibitors (erenumab, fremanezumab, galcanezumab) across UK insurers.
Private Migraine & Chronic Headache Cover UK
PMI covers migraine investigation and specialist management — consultant neurology, MRI/MRA, prophylactic medication review, Botox for chronic migraine (NICE TA260) and CGRP inhibitors (erenumab, fremanezumab, galcanezumab) where NICE-approved. Ongoing triptan prescriptions are typically excluded. Bupa, AXA and Aviva fund the fullest pathway.
Migraine & Headache Cover: what the cover actually does
Migraine affects around 10 million UK adults (Migraine Trust 2024) and chronic migraine (15+ headache days per month) affects around 2% of the population. NHS neurology outpatient waits average 15 weeks (NHS England RTT Q1 2025).
Private consultant neurology is available within 5–10 working days. Diagnostic MRI is completed inside two weeks. For chronic migraine, Botox (155 units, quarterly) has been NICE-approved since 2012 (TA260) and CGRP inhibitors since 2019.
PMI funds Botox for chronic migraine and NICE-approved CGRP inhibitors on Bupa, AXA and Aviva. Vitality and WPA cover the consultant pathway; CGRP inhibitor coverage depends on plan tier and NICE eligibility criteria (typically 4+ failed prophylactics).
Key numbers our brokers work from
- UK adults with migraine: ~10M (Migraine Trust 2024)
- UK adults with chronic migraine (15+ HDs/month): ~2% (IHS ICHD-3)
- NHS neurology first appointment wait: ~15 weeks (NHS England RTT Q1 2025)
- Private neurology consultation wait: 5-10 working days (PremierPMI 2024)
- Botox for chronic migraine annual cost: £1,800-£3,200 (PHIN 2024)
- CGRP inhibitor annual cost (indicative): £4,500-£6,500 (NICE TA659/TA764)
Indicative monthly cost by scenario
Illustrative only — final premiums depend on age, postcode, excess, hospital list, underwriting and insurer terms at the time of quote.
| Scenario | Indicative monthly | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult 35, non-smoker, comprehensive | £52-£78 | Moratorium, £250 excess. |
| Adult 45, non-smoker, comprehensive | £78-£120 | Moratorium, £250 excess. |
| Adult 55 with chronic migraine history | N/A | Likely pre-existing — moratorium may accept after 2 clear years. |
Which insurers tend to fit best
| Insurer | Fit | Broker note |
|---|---|---|
| Bupa | excellent | Bupa By You funds Botox and CGRP inhibitors where NICE-approved. |
| AXA Health | excellent | Personal Health covers full migraine pathway including biologics. |
| Aviva | excellent | Healthier Solutions funds Botox and CGRP therapy. |
| Vitality | good | Personal Healthcare funds consultant care; biologic pre-auth required. |
| WPA | fair | Flexible Health covers consultations; check biologic drug caps. |
| The Exeter | good | Health+ funds neurology pathway and NICE-approved biologics. |
Before you buy — broker checklist
- Confirm consultant neurology is covered without per-condition monetary cap.
- Check MRI is funded as outpatient diagnostic.
- Verify Botox for chronic migraine is covered (NICE TA260).
- Ask about CGRP inhibitor coverage (erenumab, fremanezumab, galcanezumab).
- Accept that triptan prescriptions are excluded — NHS or private script.
PremierPMI broker desk notes
- Chronic migraine transforms with the right prophylactic. Private neurology gets you to a personalised treatment plan in 3 weeks. NHS pathways average 6–9 months.
- CGRP inhibitors are a genuine breakthrough. Coverage depends on meeting NICE eligibility (4+ failed prophylactics) — but Bupa, AXA and Aviva will fund them when eligible.
Common questions
Does PMI cover migraine treatment?
Yes — consultant neurology, diagnostics, Botox and NICE-approved CGRP inhibitors are covered on Bupa, AXA and Aviva.
Is Botox for chronic migraine covered?
Yes on major insurers where NICE TA260 criteria are met (15+ headache days per month, failed 3+ oral prophylactics).
Are CGRP inhibitors like erenumab covered?
Yes on Bupa, AXA, Aviva where NICE-approved (typically after 4+ failed prophylactics).
How fast can I see a private neurologist?
Typically 5–10 working days from GP referral.
Which insurer is best for migraine cover?
Bupa By You, AXA Personal Health and Aviva Healthier Solutions lead our placements for Botox and CGRP pathways.
PremierPMI is a UK private medical insurance broker specialising in whole-of-market placement across 10+ leading UK health insurers including Bupa, AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality, WPA, Freedom Health, The Exeter, General & Medical and National Friendly. FCA regulated (Tesha Family Ltd, FRN 1029667). Speak to a broker on 020 4525 0884, WhatsApp 020 8064 2273, or email contact@premierpmi.co.uk.
Ask a broker how your condition would be underwritten
PremierPMI's brokers are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5:30pm. Call 020 4525 0884, message us on WhatsApp 020 8064 2273, or email contact@premierpmi.co.uk. You can also request a callback or meet our team.