What does the cosmetic surgery exclusion in insurance primarily address?

The cosmetic surgery exclusion in insurance primarily addresses elective surgery. This type of procedure is typically pursued for aesthetic improvement rather than for medical necessity. Insurance policies often exclude these elective cosmetic surgeries from coverage because they are not deemed essential for health restoration or treatment of an illness or injury.

In contrast, accidental injuries are usually covered under insurance as they involve unforeseen and unintentional harm that requires medical intervention. Birth defects are medically significant and often receive coverage as they involve congenital issues that can affect health and functionality. Additionally, surgeries requiring a second opinion usually relate to determining the necessity of a procedure or exploring alternatives, which is distinct from the cosmetic nature of elective surgeries.