The private full body scan industry is expanding rapidly, with companies like Neko Health offering AI powered screenings for hundreds of pounds. While some patients credit these scans with life saving early diagnoses, medical experts warn they may lead to unnecessary anxiety, overdiagnosis, and additional strain on NHS resources. The debate highlights tensions between preventive healthcare and evidence based medicine, with GPs questioning whether these scans truly improve health outcomes for otherwise healthy individuals.
The private health scan industry has seen explosive growth, with companies like Neko Health, Prenuvo, and Ezra raising millions in venture capital. Neko Health alone has 100,000 people on its waiting list for its £299 full body scan, which uses AI to analyze skin, cardiovascular health, blood markers, and more. The company reports that 1.2% of scans at its Stockholm clinic last year detected life threatening conditions like melanoma and leukemia, while another 4% identified significant health issues requiring treatment.
These scans appeal to health conscious individuals seeking early detection of potential problems. Neko Health founder Hjalmar Nilsonne argues that preventive screening should be available to everyone, not just those who can afford it. "The data is super clear, prevention is preferable to cure," he says. The company combines AI analysis with human expertise, though its technology has missed concerning lesions in some cases.
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