Electricity bills will spike due to energy rebate expirations, and homeowners will feel the sting of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) latest rate hike.
Here’s everything you need to know about the changes ahead of time. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)
There are no changes to superannuation or pensions coming into effect on April 1, contrary to claims generated by AI and circulated on social media.
Here’s everything you need to know about the three household bills set to spike next month.
Health insurance premiums
The cost of private health insurance will skyrocket on April 1.
In February, the federal government approved an average premium increase of 4.41 per cent, up from last year’s 3.73 per cent increase.
It is the largest health insurance premium price hike in nearly a decade.
The average cost of private health insurance is about to surge. (Getty)
Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler said it reflected the rising costs of providing medical and hospital services, increasing wage bills and securing the viability of private hospitals.
And it’s going to cost everyday Aussies an extra $80 to $160 a year, depending on their cover.
Some insurers plan to raise prices by an average of up to 5.47 per cent, while others plan to lift it by just 1.98 per cent.
Search the table below to find out how much your insurer plans to hike prices on April 1.
The RBA announced another interest rate hike to 4.1 per cent this month, which will take a toll on Aussie households in April.
On average, March’s increase will add up to $151 to mortgage holders’ monthly repayments.
The next RBA monetary policy meeting is scheduled for early May and a third rate hike hasn’t been ruled out.
The impact of a 0.25 per cent hike in March based on monthly repayments. (Canstar)The Energy Bill Relief Fund (EBRF) ended on December 31, meaning many Aussie households will receive their first quarterly bill without a rebate in April.
That’s if they haven’t already been slugged.
The EBRF was introduced in 2023, expanded in 2024 and extended in 2025 to the tune of about $1.8 billion.
Between July and December 2025, it slashed up to $150 from the electricity bills of eligible Aussie homes and small businesses in the form of two $75 rebates.
The rebates were automatically applied and offered millions of Aussies relief in the cost of living crisis.
Now they’re gone and households will be feeling the pinch.
Money could get even tighter soon as the ongoing fuel crisis threatens to send energy prices soaring.
It’s unclear if a new energy rebate will be introduced in the 2026-2027 federal budget.
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