Which Botox treatments are covered by health insurance?

Botox is also used for a range of medical treatments. Many people wonder which treatments might be covered by health insurance. On this page, we share information about procedures that are sometimes reimbursed by insurers, as well as cases where it may be uncertain whether you qualify for cover.

Are Botox treatments covered?

In the UK, Botox is widely used for cosmetic wrinkle treatments. These are carried out hundreds of thousands of times each year. What many people don’t realise is that Botox is also used for several medical conditions. Examples include:

• Muscle spasms

• Incontinence

• Strabismus (crossed eyes)

• Migraine (chronic headaches)

• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)

• Teeth grinding (bruxism)

Is Botox for underarms covered?

Botox for the underarms is a treatment for excessive sweating, also known as hyperhidrosis. In the UK, treatment for hyperhidrosis may sometimes be available on the NHS, but only if it is deemed medically necessary.

You will need a referral from your GP. If they determine that your hyperhidrosis is severe enough, they may refer you to a specialist.

The specialist will carry out an assessment to determine the extent of your condition.

What if you don’t qualify for NHS coverage?

In practice, many people will not meet the criteria for NHS funding. If you only notice sweating in stressful situations, such as during meetings or presentations, this usually isn’t considered true hyperhidrosis. In these cases, Botox can still be used privately at a clinic. The cost is typically between £350–£500 per treatment, and the results usually last around six months. Many people choose to have the treatment in spring so they can enjoy the benefits throughout the summer.

Is Botox for migraine covered?

In the UK, Botox can be available on the NHS for chronic migraine, but only under specific conditions. You must first see your GP. If they confirm that you have chronic headaches, you may be referred to a neurologist. NHS funding for Botox is only provided if the treatment is carried out by a neurologist. A treatment at a private cosmetic clinic is not covered.

What if Botox for headaches isn’t covered?

Botox can still be effective for headaches, especially if they are caused by muscle tension. A doctor can assess whether the tension originates in the head, neck, or shoulders. Botox can then be used to treat tension-related headaches effectively.

If your condition is not considered ‘chronic’ by your GP or neurologist, you can still have treatment privately at a clinic. Private treatments typically cost between £130 and £300 per session, and results usually last around 3–4 months. In many cases, the treatment can also have a positive effect on wrinkles.

Is Botox for teeth grinding covered?

Botox for teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is unfortunately almost never covered by UK health insurance. One exception is treatment by a gnathologist – a specialist in dentistry who treats jaw clenching, teeth grinding, and sleep apnea. In severe cases, some insurers may cover gnathology under an additional dental or health policy.

When might treatment for teeth grinding be covered?

Night-time teeth grinding or jaw clenching can lead to jaw problems, thickening of the jaw muscles (sometimes addressed with facial slimming), and even tooth wear. Normally, these treatments are not covered by insurance. A mouthguard may help, but this must usually be purchased privately. Botox can relax the jaw muscles and, in some cases, reduce teeth grinding over time. If significant tooth wear is present, a gnathologist will diagnose the issue and provide a treatment plan. You can then submit this to your insurer if gnathology is included in your additional policy.

New treatment

Lemonbottle treatment

Frequently asked questions about Botox reimbursement