If the surgery goes well, the cost of surgery for cleft palate is about $10,000-12,000. This includes the cost of anesthesia of $5,000-6,000 or more, as well as the cost of tests and medications. However, it does not include the cost of bleeding that occurs after surgery, a second surgery, or the presence of an infection that requires a longer period of antibiotic treatment. Cleft palate surgery is covered by health insurance. Additional charitable organizations, such as the largest worldwide cleft lip and palate charity, Smile Train, and several others, may also provide financial assistance to patients.