(a)  The second surgical opinion benefit provisions of a policy may exclude: (1) benefits while the patient is confined in a hospital as an inpatient, (2) any surgical procedures not covered by the policy, and (3) surgical procedures in the following categories: cosmetic surgery, pregnancy related surgery, dental surgery, podiatric surgery, and sterilization.

(b)  If an eligible physician who furnishes a second or third surgical opinion also performs the surgical procedure, the policy need not provide payment for the second and third opinion services of that physician.