Neko Health has opened in Birmingham, its fifth global health centre that aims to help people stay healthy through preventive measures and early detection.
I am squeamish about many things including blood, body scans and health.
2026 is also the year which is set to be my healthiest - I’ve said it out loud so there’s no going back - which means I will try anything to achieve that good health goal.
Preventative health scans are seen as a way to create a healthcare system that shifts from reactive treatment, to early detection and ultimately prevention of ill health.
The Neko scan maps millions of health data points on your body both inside and out, in just a few minutes.
Neko Health has some impressive statistics itself. The company is co-founded by Hjalmar Nilsonne and Spotify chief Daniel Ek. A bit like Spotify Wrapped, the Neko Health scan gives a health summary and overview of your body.
I was invited to try the Neko Health scan which costs £299. The scan checks for moles across the body, symptoms of metabolic syndrome and risk factors for stroke and heart attack, plus blood fats and blood sugar levels to assess pre-diabetes risk. It also checks for skin cancer and blood abnormalities.
My appointment took 1.5 hours which included a body scan, blood pressure and blood test, and my favourite part, results delivered to me within the hour of having submitted the blood test.
I was intrigued by the scan and by its ability to map so many data points in the same amount of time it takes to make a coffee at home (around two minutes in my trusty DeLonghi).
I’ve never had my blood pressure taken using inflatable rubber cuffs, so this was a new thing for me.
I did zone out at one point as I lay on the cushioned bed, getting an ECG done with electrodes getting attached.
I don’t think I have ever been excited about ‘taking bloods’ before, but seeing the vial being ‘whooshed up’ from the scan room to the lab did give me a thrill.
Following the scan, I met with a doctor who discussed my results which appeared as a presentation on a large screen in a serene waiting room.
Did I learn anything new from Neko Health Scan?
Yes. I learnt that I need to monitor my blood pressure and my eyes. Upon returning to Derby I made an appointment with my optician, who also provided peace of mind and gave additional tips of good eye health.
Would I recommend Neko Health Scan?
For peace of mind, yes.
I like how you can get blood test results within the hour. For context, I had a blood test at my local hospital on December 17. At the time of writing, six weeks on, I still did not know the results of this test. With Neko I found out blood test results within the hour.
In my opinion, Neko Health can provide a roadmap to a better version of yourself. The health report that pinged into my inbox, 30 minutes after I had left the Neko building, details personalised tips to improve my health. It is something I will be basing my 2026 fitness goals on.
For more information about Neko Health click here. nekohealth.com
Location: Neko Health, 10 Livery Street, Birmingham B3 2NU
1. Neko Health, 10 Livery Street, Birmingham B3 2NU
Neko Health Clinic is now open in the centre of Birmingham. It is the health giant's third big city presence, following from London and Manchester. | Ria Ghei
2. Neko Health, 10 Livery Street, Birmingham B3 2NU
Big smiles to chase away the jitters. Yes I was nervous, but I was genuinely curious about my health as I am keen to make 2026 the year where I am at my healthiest. Here is the changing room where I was handed a dressing gown ahead of the scan. | Ria Ghei
3. Neko Health, 10 Livery Street, Birmingham B3 2NU
The scanner room feels like a high-tech suite, all muted white and crisp edges. | Ria Ghei
4. Neko Health, 10 Livery Street, Birmingham B3 2NU
The bed is where a trained medical professional runs a scanner above you - in addition to the stand-up scanner in the background. It is also where you will have your blood pressure taken using four inflatable rubber cuffs on your hands and feet. This was a totally new experience for me, I've never had blood pressure taken from my ankles. | Ria Ghei