The $500 longevity body scanner from Spotify's cofounder is coming to the US
The $500 Neko Health scan is geared towards health-conscious consumers and longevity biohackers looking to collect their own data.
Spotify co-founder Daniel Ek has created a $500 body scanner called Neko Health, designed to detect hidden health issues. The scanner, which costs $500 per use and does not accept insurance, will launch its first US clinic in New York City in September. Neko Health, founded in 2018, has already expanded globally, with clinics in Sweden, the UK, and plans to open more locations in New York, Miami, Washington DC, and San Francisco by the end of 2026.
The scanner collects photos, blood, and electrical signals from the body to provide a health action plan within an hour. It assesses risk of skin cancer, evaluates heart health, checks visceral body fat, and measures grip strength. Neko claims over 350,000 people have joined the waitlist to be scanned, with 25,000 of them being New Yorkers.
While Neko Health aims to be a consumer's first stop for a quick, futuristic health check, it is not a replacement for primary care. It can only provide a snapshot of basic health indicators, including bloodwork, body composition measurements, grip strength, heart health, and cancer checks, particularly skin cancer. If any worrisome signals are detected, patients would need to visit a real doctor's office for further care.
Health tech investor and former journalist Chrissy Farr recently tried Neko's scanner in London and found it to be a unique and data-driven experience. However, Dr. Jordan Shlain, founder of concierge medical practice Private Medical, believes the scanner only scratches the surface of a comprehensive health check and recommends traditional methods like skin examination, blood tests, and EKGs for a more thorough evaluation.
Longevity experts are uncertain about the effectiveness of Neko Health for health-conscious consumers, who may not find any significant issues during their scan. Dr. Andrea Maier, a leading longevity physician, sees Neko as a middle market option for consumers who are interested in their health but lack understanding of what to measure. The scanner could be beneficial for early detection of skin cancer but misses other aspects of longevity medicine.
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