Swiss Re updates Life Guide to assess longevity drug use in applicants

The Life Guide is used by more than 800 insurers in over 100 countries.

Swiss Re has updated its Life Guide to help underwriters assess life insurance applicants using repurposed longevity drugs such as metformin and rapamycin.

The August 2025 update addresses risks from these medications, which are sometimes self-prescribed for anti-ageing purposes.

Metformin, used for type 2 diabetes, is being studied for ageing-related benefits, while rapamycin, an immunosuppressant for transplant patients, has raised concerns over immune suppression and limited long-term safety data.

The Life Guide, used by over 800 insurers in more than 100 countries, now provides criteria for applying ratings or referring such cases to medical officers. 

It also includes tools for assessing chronic kidney disease, prostate cancer, and other medical risks.