Since cosmetic surgery is usually performed to enhance someone's appearance, many health insurance companies will refuse to offer coverage for the procedures. Health insurance quotes are typically not available for cosmetic surgeries. There are some exceptions to this general rule, however. In some cases, the surgery is necessary to repair damage that has been caused through an injury or an accident. Some cosmetic procedures are also performed to provide better health for the person who is having the surgery. If the surgery provides a well documented health benefit, the insurance company may be more willing to provide coverage.

Coverage for Aesthetic Cosmetic Surgery

Health insurance quotes do not normally include strictly aesthetic cosmetic surgical procedures. Surgeries that enhance breast size or change the shape of the nose are considered elective procedures that are not necessary to a person's health. Health insurance policies are intended to provide assistance for people who require medical treatment to maintain a comfortable level of health. If someone wants to alter their appearance through a surgical procedure that is not necessary for health purposes, the insurance company will not feel any obligation to help pay those medical costs.

Coverage is Available for Corrective Procedures

There are cases when insurance companies are willing to offer coverage for cosmetic surgery. People who have suffered from accidents or injuries that require reconstruction of their faces will be able to file claims with their insurance companies to cover at least part of the costs. Burn victims are also generally covered by most health insurance companies, even though much of their later treatment involves cosmetic surgery to restore their skin to its normal texture and color. These cases are not considered elective because the person is not choosing to change something that was already healthy, so insurance companies are more willing to provide coverage.

When Cosmetic Surgery is Health Related

Some cosmetic surgery is directly related to a person's comfort and health. Many women who have large breasts choose to have breast reduction surgery to relieve the strain on their backs. Heavier breasts can lead to severe back problems that are only solved through a cosmetic breast reduction surgery. Some individuals suffer from a deviated septum and require rhinoplasty to correct the issue so that they can breathe more freely. Even though these types of surgery are strictly cosmetic, they are being performed for practical health reasons instead of superficial cosmetic reasons. Most health insurance companies are willing to provide at least partial coverage for any procedure that can be proven to relate to a person's well being. The insurance company may require paperwork from a specialist explaining how the cosmetic surgery will impact the person's health.