Hulu does not offer a dedicated senior discount
Hulu does not have a discount program specifically for people over 65 or any other age threshold. The company does not reduce its subscription price based on age, and there is no senior rate card or promotional code tied to being a senior.
However, Hulu does offer lower-cost plans that any subscriber can choose, and some seniors may already be paying less than the standard price through bundle deals or existing promotions. If you are already a customer of Disney+ or ESPN+, bundling all three services together costs less per month than subscribing to each one separately.
The most common way seniors actually save on Hulu is through programs they may already have: a Medicare Advantage plan that includes streaming benefits, a phone or internet plan bundled with entertainment services, or membership in an organization like AARP that negotiates discounts with media companies.
Key Takeaways
- Hulu has no age-based discount; the company charges the same rate to all subscribers regardless of age.
- The Disney Bundle (Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+) costs less per month than paying for Hulu alone, and any subscriber can purchase it.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans include Hulu or other streaming services at no additional cost as a covered benefit.
- AARP members may receive discounts on Hulu through AARP's partnership deals, though these change periodically and are not always active.
- Free or ad-supported tiers of Hulu exist and cost nothing, though they come with commercial interruptions and fewer features.
How Hulu's pricing tiers work
Hulu offers three subscription levels: an ad-supported plan, an ad-free plan, and a plan that combines Hulu with Disney+ and ESPN+. The ad-supported plan is the cheapest option and is available to anyone. The ad-free plan removes commercials but costs more. The bundle option gives you access to all three services for a single monthly fee that is lower than subscribing to Hulu alone.
Prices change periodically and vary slightly depending on when you signed up and what promotions were running at the time. The ad-supported tier is typically the lowest entry point. If you watch Hulu only occasionally, this tier may be the most cost-effective choice regardless of age.
Hulu also occasionally runs promotional offers — discounted first months, free trial periods, or temporary rate reductions — but these are not age-restricted and are available to new or returning subscribers who meet the promotion's terms.
Medicare Advantage plans that include streaming services
Some Medicare Advantage plans (also called Part C plans) now include supplemental benefits that cover streaming entertainment services. These benefits vary widely by plan and by region. A few plans cover Hulu directly; others cover Disney+ or other services instead. Some plans offer a credit you can use toward any streaming service of your choice.
To find out whether your Medicare Advantage plan includes a streaming benefit, contact your plan's customer service number (on your insurance card) and ask specifically whether Hulu or entertainment services are covered. If they are, the plan will tell you how to claim the benefit and whether there are any restrictions on which tier of Hulu you can access.
Not all Medicare Advantage plans offer this benefit, and availability depends on your location and the specific plan you have chosen. If your current plan does not include streaming, you may be able to switch to a different plan during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7 each year) if a plan in your area does offer it.
AARP membership discounts on entertainment
AARP periodically negotiates discounts with media and entertainment companies, including streaming services. In the past, AARP has offered discounts on Hulu, though the availability and terms of these deals change. Some AARP discounts have been limited to specific tiers (such as the ad-supported plan only) or available only for a set period.
To check whether AARP currently has an active Hulu discount, visit the AARP website's member discounts section or call AARP member services at 1-888-687-2277. They can tell you whether a discount is available right now, what the discount covers, and how to redeem it. AARP membership itself costs money, so you will want to weigh whether the Hulu discount (and other AARP benefits you use) justifies the annual membership fee.
Bundling Hulu with Disney+ and ESPN+ to lower your bill
The Disney Bundle combines Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+ into a single subscription. Depending on which tier you choose, the bundle costs less per month than Hulu alone would cost. This is the most straightforward way any Hulu subscriber — senior or otherwise — can reduce their streaming costs.
You do not have to be a senior or meet any age requirement to purchase the bundle. If you already watch or might watch content on Disney+ (movies, series, National Geographic) or ESPN+ (sports), the bundle is usually the better financial choice. If you have no interest in those services, the bundle does not save you money.
You can switch to the bundle from a standalone Hulu subscription at any time. Your billing will adjust, and you will gain access to the other two services when ready.
Free and low-cost alternatives to Hulu
If Hulu's cost is a barrier, several free or very low-cost options exist. Many public libraries offer free streaming services through partnerships with companies like Kanopy or Hoopla, which include movies and television shows. You need only a library card to access them. Some libraries also offer free access to other streaming platforms through their digital collections.
Free ad-supported streaming services like Tubi, Pluto TV, and Freevee offer movies and television without a subscription fee, though they include commercials. These services do not have the same content library as Hulu, but they may have shows or movies you want to watch.
If you have a broadband internet provider, check whether they offer any streaming services as part of your package. Some internet plans include access to entertainment apps or discounted rates on streaming subscriptions.
How to check if you are paying the best rate for Hulu
If you are already a Hulu subscriber, log into your account and check your billing page to see which plan you are on and what you are paying per month. Compare this to Hulu's current pricing on the main website to see whether a different tier would save you money.
If you are on an ad-free plan and rarely watch, switching to the ad-supported plan will lower your bill. If you also use Disney+ or ESPN+, switching to the bundle will almost certainly save you money. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan or AARP membership, contact those organizations to confirm whether an active discount applies to your situation.
Hulu's prices and available plans change periodically, so it is worth checking your account every six months or so to make sure you are still on the plan that makes sense for your viewing habits and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Hulu for free as a senior?
Hulu does not offer a free tier for seniors. However, anyone can use Hulu's ad-supported plan, which is the lowest-cost option. Some seniors may receive Hulu at no cost through a Medicare Advantage plan that includes streaming benefits, but this depends on your specific plan and location.
Does AARP have a Hulu discount right now?
AARP periodically offers discounts on Hulu, but these deals are not always active. To find out whether a discount is currently available, visit the AARP member discounts page or call AARP member services at 1-888-687-2277. They can confirm what is available and how to redeem it.
What is the cheapest way to get Hulu?
The ad-supported plan is Hulu's lowest-cost option and is available to anyone. If you also watch Disney+ or ESPN+, the Disney Bundle costs less per month than Hulu alone. If your Medicare Advantage plan covers streaming, that may be free or included in your plan.
Can I use my library card to watch Hulu?
No, your library card does not give you access to Hulu. However, many libraries offer free access to other streaming services like Kanopy or Hoopla through their digital collections. Contact your local library to see what streaming options they offer.
If I switch to the ad-supported plan, will I lose my saved shows?
No. Your watchlist, saved shows, and viewing history stay with your account when you change plans. The only difference is that you will see advertisements during playback on the ad-supported tier.