The best discounts for pensioners in Australia

Growing older has its perks – as well as wisdom and perspective, you can also get some sweet discounts. Here are the best perks for Australian seniors.

As you get older your financial situation changes drastically. Your earnings may reduce, your time available to make up for losses will decrease, and it becomes more important than ever to have all your financial eggs in a row.

But while long-term planning to manage your pension and superannuation can be a hassle, there are also increased opportunities for savings money. There are lots of discounts and deals available exclusively for pensioners – some well-known, some rarely used, and as always, finder.com.au is here to scour the market for the best available.

Concession cards

One of the best-known routes to saving is using a concession card. Many concession schemes for pensioners are free and require nothing more than proof of age, while others have a membership fee.

National Seniors card

National Seniors is a national consumer lobby for Australians over 50. It offers membership for a low yearly fee (starting from $40), which offers access discounts, rewards, reduced price insurance and an advice line.

Am I eligible?

The National Seniors card is open to anyone who:

• Is age 50 years or over or
• Has a spouse/partner who is 50 years or over.

What do I get?

• Hundreds of discounts, including money off flights, wines, healthcare and travel.
• Discounts on insurance, including travel, home & contents and vehicle insurance.
• Advice and information on a range of important topics, including careers, health and technology.

Click here for more information on the National Seniors Card.

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card

The Commonwealth Seniors Card is provided by the Australian Department of Human Services, and provide older Australians with access to cheaper prescription medicines, government medical services and other federal concessions.

Am I eligible?

You qualify for the Seniors Health Card if you:

• Have reached age pension age (usually 65)
• Have a Tax File Number, or a valid reason for not having one.
• Are resident in Australia.

You also need to have an income below a certain level. . At the time of writing, the income requirement is set at:

• $51,500 for singles

• $82,400 combined for couples
• $103,000 combined for couples separated by illness or respite care, or where one partner is in prison

What do I get?

The Commonwealth Seniors Health Card entitles you to discounts on Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) prescription medicines, which can represent a significant saving. You will also need to show your Medicare Card when lodging your prescription.

You may also get discounts on:

• Rail travel on Great Southern Rail services, such as the Indian Pacific, the Ghan and the Overland

• Out-of-hospital medical expenses through the Medicare Safety Net
• Health, household, transport and education concessions, as offered by different businesses and retailers in each state. More information on this will be provided once your application for the card is accepted by your state.

Pensioner Concession Card

Another card from the Australian Government, the Pensioner Concession Card aims to provides some health concessions and access to other discounts.

Am I eligible?

What do I get?

Any other discounts for those over 60?

Aside from the card and membership schemes, many private businesses also offer discounts for seniors. It’s always worth asking in every store you visit. A few that we have found which offer senior discounts: SpecSavers, Red Rooster, Best Western Hotels, Ultratune and Telstra.

Travel insurance

You have more free time to travel when you're retired – but getting insurance can be tricky. Older people, in general, usually have to pay more for insurance, and people over 80 may struggle to find cover at all. There are several insurance companies that offer specialised travel insurance policies designed with seniors in mind. If you’re on the look out for insurance, then check any of the links below:

• Australian Seniors Insurance Agency
• COTA
• National Seniors Insurance
• AIG Australia
• APIA

Credit cards

It can also be tricky to qualify for a credit card if you’re no longer working, but there are always options. Check out the link below for our full guide to credit cards for seniors.

• Click here for more information on credit cards for seniors.

The secret: ask, ask, ask!

The most important rule: constantly ask if there is any seniors discount.  Every time you visit a store or are checking out with a purchase, get into the habit of asking 'Are there any discounts available for seniors?' The worst that they can do is say no.

A lot of business keep quiet about discounts they offer, and so you might not see your discount advertised. But if you ask, you might find yourself with a little more money in your pocket.