Berkeley survivors’ medical bills are covered, says USIT

USIT, the student travel company behind the Berkeley victims’ J1 work visas, has reassured the families of those involved that their loved ones’ medical costs will be covered.

The survivors of the Berkeley balcony collapse are in hospital in the US — a country where notoriously high medical costs can quickly spiral out of control.

Concerns had been raised that the huge costs of treatment could add an extra layer of worry to families already dealing with a great deal of emotional and traumatic stress.

One day as an in-patient in a hospital in the US costs an average of $4,000 (€3,500) — five times higher than the average charged in many other developed countries.

Even basic stitches can cost thousands of dollars, while certain surgeries can cost more than $10,000. CT scans can cost over $4,000.

In the US, each hospital has a ‘charge master’ sheet — a price list which can have up to 10,000 entries. Since the list is not based on market prices, the costs can be set at any level.

Though the extent of the injuries sustained by the survivors of the Berkeley incident is not yet known, it is understood all are in extremely serious conditions and will likely need a number of different treatments and lengthy stays in hospital.

As a mandatory requirement of their J1 visas, the students were all required to purchase insurance before they travelled to the US.

Dearbhla O’Brien, managing director of USIT, said each student is therefore covered for medical expenses up to an amount of €7.5m ($8.5m).

“The repatriation obviously is covered, and medical expenses for those injured,” said Ms O’Brien. “It’s quite a comprehensive policy.

READ MORE: Berkeley: Let students express their loss and grief their way.

“There’s coverage up to €7.5m in medical expenses in the states. The insurance company are currently organising for two family members of each of those affected to travel out.

“We are actually quite conservative and we err on the side of caution when we put together these insurance policies, so I can say that they are definitely well covered under the particular insurance policy and any of those affected directly, the deceased, the injured, and the next of kin, should contact us because they are covered.”

Ms O’Brien also said that any students in the area affected by the tragedy are also covered should they wish to return home early.

“If they’re directly affected and in the area of course they are covered to return home, particularly obviously those who were there at the party, even if they themselves were not injured,” she said.

“Just call us please because we can provide assistance and we will.”

The company has also set up a crisis counselling service at the Tang Centre, 2222 Bancroft Wayin, Berkeley.

USIT can be contacted on 01 602 1630.