Our History
Since 1936, Guarantee Trust Life Insurance Company has a rich history of providing cutting-edge products and personalized customer service to our policyholders and agents. Below are some of the milestones that brought us to where we are today.
1936
GTL is founded by Richard S. Holson in the middle of the Great Depression.
1950s
GTL begins to expand and specialize in a growing volume of hospitalization, disability, and student accident insurance. The company also moves exclusively to a General Agency distribution model.
1967
Richard S. Holson, Jr. becomes GTL’s Chairman, CEO, and President.
1975
GTL expands its national footprint across the country. Today, GTL is licensed in all states except NY.
1983
GTL moves its home office from Chicago, IL to our current location in Glenview, Illinois.
1991
GTL continues its history of product innovation and becomes the first carrier to offer life insurance to protect Americans diagnosed with HIV.
2006
GTL pioneers a Hospital Indemnity Plan designed specifically to fill gaps in health insurance plans known today as the industry-leading Advantage Plus Elite.
2009
The torch is passed to a third generation, and Richard S. Holson, III becomes Chairman, CEO, and President.
2019
GTL launches Precision Care – a revolutionary lump sum cancer product with access to TGEN’s world-class genomic sequencing to give policyholders the best shot at beating cancer. Visit www.outsmartmycancer.com for more information.
2022
GTL’s financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) is affirmed by AM Best and its outlook is revised to positive due to GTL’s balance sheet strength and strong operating performance.
2026+
GTL continues our tradition of delivering the best products and services to our policyholders and agents. Our sustained upward trajectory reinforces our dominance in the industry for years to come.
1936
GTL is founded by Richard S. Holson in the middle of the Great Depression.
1950s
GTL begins to expand and specialize in a growing volume of hospitalization, disability, and student accident insurance. The company also moves exclusively to a General Agency distribution model.
1967
Richard S. Holson, Jr. becomes GTL’s Chairman, CEO, and President.
1975
GTL expands its national footprint across the country. Today, GTL is licensed in all states except NY.
1983
GTL moves its home office from Chicago, IL to our current location in Glenview, Illinois.
1991
GTL continues its history of product innovation and becomes the first carrier to offer life insurance to protect Americans diagnosed with HIV.
2006
GTL pioneers a Hospital Indemnity Plan designed specifically to fill gaps in health insurance plans known today as the industry-leading Advantage Plus Elite.
2009
The torch is passed to a third generation, and Richard S. Holson, III becomes Chairman, CEO, and President.
2019
GTL launches Precision Care™ – a revolutionary lump sum cancer product with access to TGEN’s world-class genomic sequencing to give policyholders the best shot at beating cancer. Visit www.outsmartmycancer.com for more information.
2024
GTL’s financial strength rating of A (Excellent) is affirmed by AM Best and its outlook is revised to stable due to GTL’s balance sheet strength and strong operating performance.
2026 +
GTL continues our tradition of delivering the best products and services to our policyholders and agents. Our sustained upward trajectory reinforces our dominance in the industry for years to come.
1936
GTL is founded by Richard S. Holson in the middle of the Great Depression.
1950s
GTL begins to expand and specialize in a growing volume of hospitalization, disability, and student accident insurance. The company also moves exclusively to a General Agency distribution model.
1967
Richard S. Holson, Jr. becomes GTL’s Chairman, CEO, and President.
1975
GTL expands its national footprint across the country. Today, GTL is licensed in all states except NY.
1983
GTL moves its home office from Chicago, IL to our current location in Glenview, Illinois.
1991
GTL continues its history of product innovation and becomes the first carrier to offer life insurance to protect Americans diagnosed with HIV.
2006
GTL pioneers a Hospital Indemnity Plan designed specifically to fill gaps in health insurance plans known today as the industry-leading Advantage Plus Elite.
2009
The torch is passed to a third generation, and Richard S. Holson, III becomes Chairman, CEO, and President.
2019
GTL launches Precision Care – a revolutionary lump sum cancer product with access to TGEN’s world-class genomic sequencing to give policyholders the best shot at beating cancer. Visit www.outsmartmycancer.com for more information.
2022
GTL’s financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) is affirmed by AM Best and its outlook is revised to positive due to GTL’s balance sheet strength and strong operating performance.
2026+
GTL continues our tradition of delivering the best products and services to our policyholders and agents. Our sustained upward trajectory reinforces our dominance in the industry for years to come.
GAD28.25-23