Those from the Malta and Italy:

• Receive a Reciprocal Medicare Card for the first 6 months of their stay in Australia, from a Medicare office. Eligibility is determined by Medicare - they must have come directly from their home country to Australia i.e. have been paying tax recently in their home country. (Take proof of your country of citizenship/residence i.e. your passport)
  
• Receive medically necessary treatment in a public hospital are entitled to claim benefits from Medicare if they obtain a Reciprocal Medicare Card. Please note: some services may not be claimable.
  
• Receive pharmaceuticals at subsidised Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) levels, which is the same cost as Australians pay (by presenting their Reciprocal Medicare Card)
  
• Cannot seek exemption from the Medicare Levy (1.5%) for the period they hold a Reciprocal Medicare Card.
  
• Will be liable to pay the Medicare Levy Surcharge of 1% (MLS) for the period they hold a Reciprocal Medicare Card