#1

Be careful what you disclose if buying an annuity…

Swiss Re Ltd. Swiss Re’s Life Guide adds guidance on repurposed longevity drugs

https://www.eqs-news.com/news/corporate/swiss-res-life-guide-adds-guidance-on-repurposed-longevity-drugs/e21e547a-2931-448a-8908-3d078896987f_en

Swiss Re’s Life Guide adds guidance on repurposed longevity drugs

Swiss Re Ltd / Key word(s): Product Launch/Research Update
Swiss Re’s Life Guide adds guidance on repurposed longevity drugs

11.08.2025 / 14:38 CET/CEST

Zurich, August 11, 2025 – A new class of longevity drugs is emerging, as medications originally developed for other conditions are being repurposed in the pursuit of a longer, healthier life. Medications such as metformin and rapamycin have gained popularity among health-conscious individuals, with some cases of people self-prescribing these medications. Given the uncertain long-term effects, Swiss Re has introduced guidance for underwriters on how to assess life insurance applicants who show signs of using these repurposed longevity drugs.

Swiss Re’s August 2025 Life Guide update is part of Swiss Re’s work to adapt underwriting guidance as new insights emerge on life and medical risks. Used by over 800 insurance companies across 100+ countries, Swiss Re’s Life Guide supports more than 23 million underwriting queries each year, enabling consistent, evidence-based decision-making in an evolving health landscape. Alongside updates on longevity medications, Life Guide now also includes an improved calculator for chronic kidney disease, prostate cancer risks and expanded medical risk assessment tools.

Natalie Kelly, Head of Global Underwriting, Claims and R&D at Swiss Re says: “Life Guide is the gold-standard toolkit for Life & Health underwriting. We’ve earned that status by staying ahead of developing risks. With repurposed medications, the clinical picture is still evolving. This update gives underwriters practical decision-making support—especially in cases where use of these drugs may be experimental or self-prescribed.”

Metformin and rapamycin are part of a growing list of substances being explored for anti-aging purposes. Metformin, originally used for managing type 2 diabetes, is being studied for its potential to slow aging by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation. Rapamycin, an immunosuppressant developed for organ transplant recipients, has been used in off-label attempts to extend lifespan.

Some of these drugs carry an uncertain risk. Rapamycin, for example, has raised concerns due to immunosuppressive effects and limited long-term data in animals. In response, Swiss Re has updated its Life Guide to provide underwriters with clear, evidence-based guidance on how to evaluate disclosures of these drugs, including when to apply a rating or defer the case to a medical officer.

For further information please contact Swiss Re Media Relations: + 41 (0)43 285 7171 or Media_Relations@Swissre.com.
Please use this link to access Swiss Re’s press releases.

9 Likes
#2

Exactly!

My wife just retired at 67 years. Her teacher’s retirement, estimated funds to exist…living as we are living now with a maximum age expectancy of us both to 95 years. Ohhh???

Which in anticipation of a longer healthier life :face_with_monocle:… I need to keep working an extra decade. Hahaha . At least to 75 Years.

Her mom is an active 92 years… her dad passed at 93 last month… neither into life extension or healthy supplements.

1 Like
#3

In general, unless you have a concierge physician and not relying on any insurance, there is absolutely no advantage to disclosing to your doctor what you do, other than platitudes about lifestyle, diet and exercise. Keep your cards close to your vest and move in silence. Loose lips sink all kinds of ships (financial, health insurance, annuities etc.). Nobody needs to know.

9 Likes
#4

Are they allowed to view your medical history? Where I live, no insurance or financial institution has that right. They can only ask you questions directly.

1 Like
#5

Another class of people that insurers are wary of: those who have taken, then discontinued GLP1 drugs, or those that are currently on one . That’s because a GLP1 user may have taken life insurance when they were on the drug and got a normal bmi, but then because of health insurance issues might lose access to the drug years later. So insurers are actually covering people that are in a sense sicker than they seem to be.

3 Likes
#7

I totally agree, and have by instinct followed this course of action. Especially since my primary care could do nothing for me beyond the minimal.

2 Likes
#8

My plan B if living velocity doesn’t hit during my shelf-life. Lol