20.01.2026

Those who listen to classical music should pay less for health insurance

by Dr. Michael Bühler

Stress costs Switzerland billions every year – and one highly effective method is largely ignored: classical music.
If just 2% more people under 55 listened to classical music regularly, up to CHF 250 million in healthcare costs could be saved annually.

Why?
Classical music reduces cortisol, improves heart rate variability (HRV), and lowers perceived stress – exactly the factors that cost us billions.
If you include indirect effects – fewer burnout cases, less productivity loss, greater life satisfaction – the economic damage amounts to CHF 6–8 billion per year.

The problem: classical concerts rarely reach the most stressed 20- to 55-year-olds – too elitist, too outdated, too far from their daily lives.
The solution: new, personalized concert formats, modern educational offers, and health-promotion programs. Emotional. Scientifically proven.

that’s exactly what we’re working on
Classic Now Foundation