Swiss Re introduces guidance for underwriters on repurposed longevity drugs

Swiss Re’s August 2025 Life Guide has introduced guidance for underwriters on how to assess life insurance applicants who show signs of using repurposed longevity drugs, an emerging trend among health-conscious individuals.

The update provides new guidance on medications like metformin and rapamycin, which were originally developed for other conditions but are now being repurposed in the pursuit of a longer, healthier life.

With uncertain long-term effects still uncertain, especially when their medications are self-prescribed, aims to support over 800 insurance companies and more than 23 million underwriting queries each year, enabling consistent, evidence-based decision-making in an evolving health landscape.

Alongside updates on longevity medications, Swiss Re’s 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 two substances under investigation for their potential anti-aging effects.

Metformin, typically prescribed for type 2 diabetes, is being explored for its anti-aging properties due to its ability to enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation.

Rapamycin, an immunosuppressant used in organ transplant patients, has been utilized off-label in attempts to prolong lifespan.

However, some of these drugs, such as rapamycin, present uncertain risks, including immunosuppressive effects and a lack of extensive long-term animal data.

The new guidance is part of Swiss Re’s ongoing effort 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.