Foxtel packages for seniors: Discounted plans and offers

The Foxtel packages for seniors was quietly retired several years ago. The reason was simple – Foxtel had just drastically reduced their prices across the board, making their entry-level channel pack substantially cheaper than the Seniors Card package while providing twice the number of channels.

While those who were already on the discounted plan using the Foxtel packages for seniors did get to keep it if they wanted to, many made the move to the cheaper package that was on offer at the time.

Now in this day and age with literally hundreds on new streaming services coming into market, the list of TV viewing is endless and the monthly price is the lowest it has ever been. Not to mention, there’s no more monthly contracts for most of the TV plans available in Australia.

Is there a seniors/pensioners plan?

So, to answer the question of whether Foxtel still provides discounts for Seniors Card holders and pensioners – no, they don’t. That’s a good thing because the new Foxtel pricing is much lower then the plan was several years ago – which is a permanent feature – meaning that Foxtel as a pay TV is more affordable than it’s ever been, regardless of your budget.

How much you need to spend comes down to several things. Deciding on the Foxtel packs you want and whether or not you want access to the HD channels is the obvious one, but the all-important thing to check before you make any decision is what discounts and offers Foxtel is currently running.

What Foxtel packages for seniors are available?

The top Foxtel packs that we recommend for seniors are the ones that come with drama, sports, and movies. But first let’s start from the base package: at $70/month, the Foxtel Plus pack will give you the best shows from the US and the UK, which includes HBO and Foxtel Original series like The Twelve and Wentworth.

That’s just one channel out of 60+ Foxtel channels that comes with this entry-level pack, which also includes BBC First and UKTV for the best of new and classic British television, as well as documentary channels like Docos, Discovery, History and more.

If you want to add 9 HD channels of commercial-free movies, it costs $95/month in total for the Movies package. Of course, we can’t forget about sports, which is something that Foxtel really gives great value for. With Foxtel, you get the Sport bundle for $100/month to access 9 HD channels of sports.

To save on plan fees, you can opt for packages that are locked in for 12 months. For instance, the $95/month Movies + Foxtel Plus bundle can only be had at $69 per month if locking in for 12 months. Discounts can go up to $41 monthly, depending on available promotions.

Foxtel channels and pricing changes in 2024: It’s worth noting that Foxtel’s pricing has been revamped this 2024, with the Kids and the Favourites channels now added to the base Foxtel Plus bundle, increasing Foxtel Plus’ plan fee to $70 per month.

Another highlight to Foxtel’s new packages is Multiscreen being included in all Foxtel bundles (letting you stream Foxtel to other TVs in the house). Prior to this, the Multiscreen feature was only included in the Platinum Plus bundle.

For a complete list of Foxtel channel packs, check out the list below:

Customise the right Foxtel packages for seniors

Customising your own channel packs can help you save money because you only pay for what you actually want to watch — whether it’s mostly sports, drama shows, movies, docos or a combination of several.

If you just want everything that Foxtel has to offer, then the Platinum Plus Bundle is the way to go, which includes all the channels that Foxtel has to offer — and best of all, you can share it with the rest of the family as well. It even comes with a Netflix subscription bundled in!

Though it’s worth noting that the latest Foxtel Plus bundle already includes 60+ channels of drama, reality, lifestyle, documentaries, kids, and news, plus the Multiscreen feature (included in all packs).

Last audited 1st March 2024

Telstra Foxtel packages for seniors

And don’t just check Foxtel’s pricing, by the way – there’s also Foxtel From Telstra to consider. While what you end up getting is the exact same Foxtel service, it’s sold and billed (on your phone bill) by Telstra, which usually runs various offers and discounts of its own.

Important note: From 1 February 2024, Telstra will temporarily stop selling Foxtel from Telstra until further notice. Existing customers can still use the Help & Support page for any queries and concerns.

Foxtel iQ boxes

Subscribing to Foxtel means you also get their new iQ5 box, although those with iQ4 and iQ3 can still access their Foxtel channels just fine. Seniors, however, will find the new box more convenient being a plug and play device.

Foxtel waives hardware costs for those signing up on a 12-month plan, saving you the $199 equipment fee (hard drive included) and $35 standard connection cost.

Foxtel iQ5

More than three years after the launch of iQ4, Foxtel releases the all-new Foxtel iQ5 box. While it is initially offered to only select customers this year, the new iQ5 became widely available at the beginning of 2022. 

The main difference being that you can select its setup via satellite or your internet connection. Fundamentally, you can now watch Foxtel with the Foxtel iQ5 through your internet connection – this is similar to what you can do with the Foxtel Now box.

However, the Foxtel Now box doesn’t allow recording of sports and your favourite shows, but the Foxtel iQ5 still can. Being a plug and play iQ box, you can watch sports, movies, and your favourite shows instantly with no traditional cable or satellite installation required. 

Foxtel iQ4

The previous iQ4 box was also an advanced set-top box packed with a lot of features to make watching and recording shows easy. One of its key features is the wonderful “Team Link” option, through which you can simply pick your favourite sporting codes and teams, and the iQ4 will automatically record every single one of their games for you to watch later. 

The iQ4 also comes with a smart remote control with voice-activated searching. This is a brilliant new feature that makes it easy to find the shows and movies you want to watch without the hassle of trying to type names in using the on-screen keyboard.

Instead, you can just push the voice button and ask to see everything available with your favourite actors, directors, or even famous movie quotes. The iQ4’s smart search will show you the titles that match what you’re looking for, and you can start watching right away.

What is Foxtel’s Hubbl and is it ideal for seniors?

On 21 February 2024, Foxtel finally unveiled Hubbl, the company’s latest “transformative TV technology” with the aim to simplify the user’s streaming experience. 

Delivered in two forms: a puck-like device and a 4K Smart TV with a built-in soundbar called Hubbl Glass, every major global and local streaming app is integrated into its system so everything you need is on one platform. 

Global streaming services Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Paramount+, Apple TV+ and video-sharing app YouTube, join local streamers BINGE, Kayo Sports, Stan, Flash, Optus Sport, Foxtel’s new app, LifeStyle. 

Australia’s free streaming apps, ABC iView and ABC Kids, SBS On Demand, 9Now, 7plus, and 10 Play are also part of Hubbl’s streaming line-up.

As Hubbl consolidates every major paid streaming app and free to air into one platform, seniors will find it easier to navigate their TV when watching. Management subscription is also easier with all service converged on one interface.

Even better, bundling eligible apps on Hubbl can get customers discounts. Eligible apps include Netflix, BINGE, Kayo Sports, Flash, and Lifestyle and bundling all five will give you the maximum $15 discount.

Foxtel Now — A streaming alternative for seniors

If you’ve got only specific channel packs in mind, you can also save a lot of money by turning to Foxtel Now – the online streaming version of Foxtel that recently got a bump up to high definition and a huge price drop along with it.

There’s no contract, no installation to wait or pay for, and no hefty bills. All you need is a broadband connection and a device to watch with (a good low-cost choice is Foxtel’s own Foxtel Now box, which costs $99 and also handles streaming from a bunch of other services, as well as viewing live TV).

With Foxtel Now, you get the Essentials pack for a nice range of premium channels at only $25/month. Foxtel Now is ideal for those keen on the channels in those base packs (including Showcase with its HBO content) without needing sport or movies – however, you can get either of those added on, for $29 and $20 per month respectively, as well as extra drama channels for $10/month.

Fortunately, customers signing up for the first time can try all of Foxtel Now’s channel packs (70+ channels) with a 10-day free trial.

BINGE streaming service

This streaming service is the latest service from the Foxtel family and has 90% of the same TV and movies. It’s called BINGE and it’s only $10 per month and comes with a free 7 day trial.

Once you’ve signed up (why wouldn’t you, there’s so much to watch) you won’t have any lock in contracts so you’re free to cancel as and when you want. It doesn’t have sport though so you’ll need another streaming service should you want to watch your favourite sports.

Kayo Sports streaming service

If you’re a sport lover, then look no further than Kayo Sports. It’s also part of the Foxtel family so rest assured you’ll be able to watch all the sports that you’re used to watching on Foxtel for over half the price!

It also comes with no lock in contract and you can sign up immediately to start watching the latest sport. It’s only $25 per month and comes with a free 7 day trial.

Which streaming service will you choose?

The Seniors Card discount may be long gone, but considering how much more you get from the wide range of streaming services these days, it’s actually better value to try something else that has no contract and a free trial. Keep an eye on the current deals and you can get yourself set up within minutes to start watching!