Unlocking the most value
More than a million Australian retirees are potentially eligible for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC) and haven’t applied. This card offers savings that can make a real difference – on prescription medicines, bulk billing, and even some state-based discounts. Some estimates suggest savings of up to $3,000 per year or $60,000 over a 20 year retirement.
But how much does the card really deliver? Some retirees expect thousands in discounts, only to find they don’t qualify for rebates in their state. Others are pleasantly surprised by unexpected perks that make a real difference. Knowing what’s available where you live can help you make the most of it.
For an update on the different concessions and health care cards available, read our latest guide: Concession and health care cards update.
Key benefits of the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC)
Here are some of the key savings available through the CSHC
- Cheaper medical prescriptions: Access to medicines under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) scheme, can significantly reduce out-of-pocket health costs.
- Bulk-billed doctor visits– Eligibility for bulk-billed consultations with participating medical practitioners, reducing or eliminating the cost of doctors visits. Note that bulk billing is at the discretion of individual doctors.
- Extended Medicare Safety Net: After reaching the Medicare Safety Net threshold, you may receive higher Medicare benefits for out-of-hospital medical services, further reducing healthcare costs.
Comparing concession cards:
While the Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) provides broader benefits – including substantial discounts on utilities, council rates and vehicle registration – the CSHC still offers valuable health care savings, particularly for self-funded retirees.
The benefits available to CSHC holders vary significantly across Australian states and Territories. Combining the CSHC with state-based Seniors Cards can enhance the overall benefits available to retirees.
| Card type | Key benefits | Who qualifies? |
| Pension Concession Card | Medical, utilities, transport, rates | Age Pension recipients |
| Commonwealth Seniors Health Card | Health-focused savings (PBS bulk billing), some state-based discounts | Self-funded retirees below income thresholds |
| Seniors Card | Discount on public transport and some goods and services | Generally those who are 60 and over and not working more than 20 hours per week |
Joan’s best deal: Western Australia
Joan, a 68 year old retiree, has just received her CSHC. In Western Australia (WA), she enjoys substantial savings, totalling approximately $1,143 per year. Here’s how with a mix of benefits provided by the CSHC and the WA Seniors Card:
- Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) discounts with (CSHC) – Estimated $262.90 in prescription savings, based on 11 prescriptions per year. The PBS standard co-payment is $31.60 per prescription, but with the CSHC, Joan only pays $7.70 for each eligible medication, resulting in significant savings on her prescriptions.
- Medicare Bulk Billing (CSHC) – Potential $120 savings based on three GP visits each year.
- Free off-peak public transport (WA Seniors Card) – Estimated $50 savings based on using public transport a few times a week.
- Water services charge, 50% discount (WA Seniors Card with CSHC) – Joan can save up to $600 annually as a WA Seniors Card holder who is also a CSHC holder. Based on the minimum service charges for Joan, that’s savings of $453.22.
- Cost of living discount (WA Seniors Card) – As a registered WA Senior Card holder, Joan receives $107.12 from the state government as a single to help with cost of living.
- Motor vehicle discounts (WA Seniors Card with CSHC) – As a WA Seniors Card holder who is also a CSHC holder, Joan benefits from a 100% discount on renewing her drivers licence and 50% on car registration. Estimated savings of $50 per year.
- Other local discounts (WA Seniors Card) – Approximately $100. There may also be discounts on local government rates, car parking, council services, and recreational activities. These can vary widely, but a rough estimate of $100 could be saved through these local benefits.
Why is the government encouraging retirees to claim?
Services Australia is actively reminding retirees to check their eligibility, reinforcing that the savings can be significant. While our estimate of Joan’s savings – $1,143 per year – is based on specific spending patterns, it highlights how, over a 20 year retirement, the CSHC can provide meaningful relief for healthcare costs and long term savings – especially when combined with other concession cards to maximise benefits.
With an $8 billion Medicare investment promising additional bulk billing incentives, healthcare affordability is a key focus for the current Federal Government. This could enhance the value of concession cards further – but’s it’s important to check what’s available in your area.
How to check and claim your entitlements
To find out exactly what benefits are available in your state, check the official website links provided in the table below or use tools like the National Seniors’ Concessions Calculator.
Seniors Cards by state or territory
Some tips for applying and ensuring you receive the right discounts:
- Check eligibility: Many discounts require you to meet specific criteria, so make sure you’re eligible before applying
- Don’t assume you’re automatically included: Some states require you to apply for certain discounts, even if you’re eligible.
- Keep track of expiry dates: Some benefits need to be renewed annually or periodically.
Do you qualify for the CSHC?
To be eligible for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card (CSHC), your income must be below the following thresholds from 20 September 2024:
- Singles: $99,025
- Couples combined: $158,440
- Illness-separated couples: $198,050
- If you have children in your care, an additional $639.60 per child per year is added to the threshold.
Still unsure if you’re getting the full benefits of your concession card?
Many retirees don’t realise they’re missing out on savings. Retirement Essentials Commonwealth Seniors Health Card eligibility checker and Entitlements Consultation can help you uncover the benefits you may not have claimed. You can book a consultation today to learn about your eligibility or receive assistance to apply.
What about you?
Have you ever been surprised by a concession card benefit (or lack of one) in your state?
What’s the most valuable discount or saving you’ve received from your concession card?
