Originally Posted by TGM

Temporary residents can also get limited cover under medicare if there are reciprocal health arrangements between their country of residence and Australia. This applies to people from the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Malta and Italy and it entitles them to limited subsidised health services for medically necessary treatment while visiting Australia. There are similar arrangements for people from Ireland and NZ.

If anyone falls into one of these categories please be sure to apply for your medicare card when you arrive. You'll be surprised at how much you'll be asked for your number (eg. on kids' field trips at school)

Visitors to Australia - Medicare Australia