I go to the gym. I eat reasonably well. I tell myself I’m “keeping an eye on things.”
But if I’m honest — I’m also a very typical man when it comes to my health. Minor aches? Ignore them. Something feels slightly off? Give it a few weeks and hope it disappears. I understand the logic and long-term benefits of preventative health checks, early intervention, and knowing your numbers — but there’s still that little voice in the back of my head whispering the oldest lie of all: what you don’t know can’t hurt you.
Of course, it can. And often does.
So when I was invited to experience the Neko Health body scan and health check at their newly opened Birmingham clinic, curiosity won out over avoidance. If this really was the future of preventative healthcare — fast, non-invasive, and designed to catch issues before they become problems — then it felt like time to stop pretending ignorance was a strategy.
Please note, this experience was gifted for review, with no expectation of coverage or a positive outcome.
Scandinavian Cool Meets Sci-Fi Optimism
Walking into the Neko Health clinic feels less like arriving for a medical appointment and more like stepping into a beautifully imagined version of the future.
The aesthetic sits firmly in Scandi chic, which makes perfect sense once you know the brand originates from Stockholm, co-founded by Hjalmar Nilsonne and Daniel Ek — yes, the same Daniel Ek who founded Spotify. That heritage shows up everywhere, from the pared-back design language to the effortlessly cool soundtrack humming through the space.
There’s a subtle retro-futurist edge too — like the optimistic sci-fi visions of the 1960s. Soft lemon tones glow against reeded glass walls, minimalist furnishings could double as gallery pieces, and whooshing sliding doors open and close with satisfying drama. The whole place is spotless, calm, and quietly confident — clean and clinical, but never cold.
Staff wear smart-casual, gym-inspired uniforms that feel functional yet stylish, reinforcing the idea that this is healthcare built for people who live modern lives. Everything about the space says: this is where healthcare is heading.
And yet — despite all the tech and polish — what struck me most was how personal the experience felt from the very beginning.
A Human Welcome (and Space Crocs)
After checking in, I’m handed a pair of bright “space crocs” — a small but oddly charming detail — and welcomed by an actual human being: a trained health professional who will guide me through the entire process.
I’m shown into a softly lit antechamber and asked to undress down to my underwear. Good job I wore my good pants. A robe is provided, and ahead of me is another of those quietly dramatic sliding doors, leading to my own private testing room. The space is sparsely furnished with modern pieces that wouldn’t look out of place in an art gallery — calm, uncluttered, and intentionally designed to put you at ease.
Inside the Body Scanner
The first stage is the full-body scan.
I step into a sleek scanning booth where advanced sensors begin mapping my body in extraordinary detail. I stand still — legs apart, hands splayed — as an incredibly bright light washes over me. In seconds, my body is 3D scanned and photographed, capturing everything from posture and body composition to every mole, freckle, and visible mark on my skin.
These images aren’t just archived. They’re analysed by the system, which highlights any areas of potential concern and automatically forwards them to a doctor for further review if needed. It’s thorough, precise, and — crucially — done entirely in private, behind those softly whooshing doors.
Once complete, I’m handed my robe again and calmly guided to the next stage.
What the Neko Health Scan Actually Measures
What makes the Neko Health experience so compelling is the sheer breadth of insight gathered in under an hour — the kind that would usually require multiple GP appointments and referrals.
The scan includes:
- Cardiovascular health checks, including blood pressure, circulation, and heart rhythm monitoring to identify early risks of heart disease or stroke
- Metabolic markers, measuring cholesterol, blood sugar, and HbA1c to flag potential pre-diabetes or metabolic issues
- High-resolution skin mapping, photographing thousands of data points to monitor changes in moles and skin irregularities over time
- Blood tests, analysing key biomarkers such as haemoglobin, white blood cells, and cholesterol
- Eye pressure testing, screening for glaucoma risk
- Grip strength measurement, an increasingly recognised indicator of overall health and longevity
None of it feels rushed. Everything is explained clearly, carried out calmly, and handled with quiet professionalism.
The Most Important Part: The Conversation
After the tests are complete, I get dressed and am shown into another tranquil room for a one-to-one consultation with a doctor.
This is where all the data becomes meaningful.
My results are reviewed in real time, with clear explanations of what’s looking good, what’s worth keeping an eye on, and where small lifestyle changes could offer long-term benefits. Thankfully, I’m told there’s nothing to worry about — a relief, yes, but also a reminder of how powerful reassurance can be when it’s backed by real information.
This doctor-led conversation is what truly sets the experience apart. The technology is impressive, but it’s the interpretation — and the humanity — that makes it valuable.
What I Took Away
Walking out of Neko Health, I couldn’t help thinking about that little voice I mentioned at the start — the one that insists ignorance is protection. At £299, the Neko Health body scan isn’t an impulse purchase, although there is already a waiting list, — but it is a compelling investment in understanding your health before problems arise.
Standing in a space that so clearly represents the future of healthcare, it became obvious just how outdated that thinking is. Preventative health isn’t about hunting for problems or fuelling anxiety. It’s about understanding your body, tracking changes over time, and making informed choices — before issues become unavoidable.
The future of healthcare, it turns out, isn’t something to fear. It’s calm, considered, data-led, and deeply human.
And sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do for your health… is simply choose to know.
To find out more about Neko Health visit nekohealth.com
This experience was gifted for review, with no expectation of coverage or a positive outcome.
