In March, at the height of the coronavirus pandemic in Australia, Colombian student Nolberto "Angelo" Romero was given the news that changed his life after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.
Unable to return to Colombia due to Australia’s travel lockdown, his situation was made even more difficult when his healthcare provider Bupa didn’t initially provide coverage for his expensive treatments.
Highlights
- International student Nolberto "Angelo" Romero was diagnosed over a month ago with acute myeloid leukemia amid the COVID-19 crisis
- Bupa, the insurance company that sold him international student insurance, did not initially cover the costs of treatment that exceed $180,000
- A fund to raise money for his treatment has already received more than $100,000
Doctors told Mr Romero that his initial phase of treatment would require three cycles of drugs and a bone marrow transplant, at a combined cost of more than $180,000.
"The cost of the pills is $13,000 per cycle. That's three cycles I have to do. Then it would be $39,000. And the bone marrow transplant is $150,000,” he told SBS Spanish.
A Bupa spokesperson said claims made within the 12 months of a policy required thorough investigation, according to the ABC.
Having undergone his first round of chemotherapy at Brisbane Hospital, he finally received some good news on Monday when Bupa changed its stance.
The insurer issued a to Mr Romero for the "delay" and advised that his treatment costs would be paid "in full".
"Unfortunately, there were some issues with the internal processes which caused unnecessary delays," the statement said.
"Mr Romero's case has been reviewed in more detail and we have confirmed that he is eligible for cover — we will pay his treatment costs in full.
"We are contacting Mr Romero to confirm this for him and to apologise for the additional stress that this may have caused.
"We are reviewing our internal processes to ensure this experience does not happen again."
The 31-year-old arrived in Australia four years ago and he built a life in Brisbane where he worked as a chef and enjoyed surfing and playing sports.
Source: Provided (facebook)
His condition makes him extremely vulnerable to COVID-19. This factor, as well as battling the disease without the support of family, makes his situation even more difficult.
"It's a little hard because I'm alone. I have two cousins here, but they are also working, and it's also been hard because we are also trying to get my girlfriend to come and take care of me,” he said.
“The truth is that I need to have a person here to help me almost 24 hours a day. And, I don't have that person.”
The Colombian said he was grateful for the support shown by members of the community.
"I'm totally grateful for everything about the donation that has been worldwide. I'm supremely shocked, excited, happy, glad. I actually cried of happiness, of seeing so many people that helped me with that support, with that strength."
He has taken to Instagram to thank those who have helped him during this difficult time and recognised that despite his situation, Australia has always given him "many things" such as "the opportunity to study, to work, to start a business, and to learn from many friends and loved ones".
He also said his parents were at ease because their son was in Australia receiving treatment.
"They are very relieved because I had the support of so many people.and financial support through the crowdfunding campaign. They are also relieved because I'm in Australia, where the pandemic had been controlled, it is decreasing to zero cases. They are relieved. In Colombia, the coronavirus crisis is hitting hard."
