DEXA scan

A low-dose X-ray of your hip and spine that measures bone density against the WHO benchmark for osteoporosis. It shows bone loss years before a fracture would, while there's still time to act. Takes 15 minutes.

CHF 119~~One-time check-up 135~~

Price for Ahead members

Book with Full-body MRI

Insights by Swiss physicians
Personalized action plan
Discuss results with your doctor

Check insurance coverage

DEXA scan

CHF 119~~One-time check-up 135~~

Price for Ahead members

Insights by Swiss physicians
Personalized action plan
Discuss results with your doctor

T-score (lumbar spine)

−0.6

Normal range

T-score (hip)

−1.1

Osteopenia

A low-dose X-ray of your hips and spine that measures bone mineral density and gives you a T-score (from age 50) or Z-score (under 50), the standard measures for bone density.

TIME REQUIRED
15 minQuick bone-density scan in our clinic
IMAGING TYPE
Low-dose X-ray, called DEXA. No contrast.
FOCUS AREA
BonesBone density
PREPARATION REQUIRED
No calcium supplements 24 h before. Loose clothing without metal.
WHO IT'S FOR
Adults 65+Recommended for all adults 65+, and for adults 50+ with elevated bone-health risk (post-menopause, family history of osteoporosis, long-term corticosteroids).

Full-body MRI prices & packages

From CHF 1'890 one time, on top of your Ahead membership.

Full-body MRI
Your organs, vessels and spine, without radiation.
- Insights by Swiss physicians
- Personalized action plan
- Discuss results with your doctor
- Full-body MRI, no radiation
- Organs, vessels and spine
CHF 1'890~~One-time check-up 1'990~~
Price for Ahead members
Full-body MRI Advanced
The full-body MRI, plus prostate or ovaries and body composition.
- Insights by Swiss physicians
- Personalized action plan
- Discuss results with your doctor
- Everything in the full-body MRI
- Prostate or ovaries imaging
- Longevity and body composition markers
CHF 1'991~~One-time check-up 2'490~~
Price for Ahead members
Full-body MRI Pro
Everything in Full-body MRI Advanced, plus brain, hip and knee screening.
- Insights by Swiss physicians
- Personalized action plan
- Discuss results with your doctor
- Everything in Full-body MRI Advanced
- Brain age analysis
- Hip and knee MRI
- Hormone, B-vitamin and PSA (men) blood tests
CHF 2'991~~One-time check-up 3'549~~
Price for Ahead members

Check insurance coverage

More scans with your MRI

One time, on top of your Ahead membership

*Price for Ahead members

Heart CT calcium scoring (with low-dose radiation)
Measures calcified plaque to help refine your heart-attack risk estimate.
With membership + CHF 439Without membership CHF 470
With membership + CHF 439Without membership CHF 470
Mamma MRI (with contrast dye)
Highest-sensitivity breast imaging, especially for dense tissue.
With membership + CHF 749Without membership CHF 800
With membership + CHF 749Without membership CHF 800

Not sure which check‑up is right for you?

Find the right starting point Contact us

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“Wanted an in depth health check--Ahead delivered with a smooth MRI+blood check and very detailled and action packed report. Highly recommended!”

“Great experience, MRI + blood test, comprehensive reporting and tracking over time, and direct contact with real medical doctors to address any questions you might have.”

“Fles to Zürich to get Ahead's MRI + blood test.”

Both Ahead's team and the partner's were super professional, and guided me step-by-step through the experience. The scan was short, blood draw uneventful, and I was in time to make my plane back. I really liked the report itself: simple to understand, with enough actual clinical depth.

“Thank you, Ahead Health, I highly recommend your services and we surely stay in touch (hopefully only for preventative reasons!)”

As an enthusiastic athlete and simply a woman in her early 30s, I've finally come to realization that our bodies and health definitely need our support along the life journey we embark on as one. Just before turning 33 and running my 7th marathon, I couldn't help but checking my blood as I've been feeling rather fatigued and also mindful of yet again another birthday and a race. It was so simple! Ahead Health website is clear, user friendly and what I especially appreciate, not overpowering with things one doesn't need (aka a million of extra products where you feel like at a sales market). From the main page to choosing what one is looking for and booking an appointment - easy and with a very little time spent. Simple instructions on what not to do and what to do. Thank you, Ahead Health, I highly recommend your services and we surely stay in touch (hopefully only for preventative reasons!) Tatiana

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I visited AHEAD HEALTH on Wednesday for an advanced blood test, the entire process was quick, seamless, and far more convenient than going through a doctor's office. The results were delivered within 48 hours, along with …

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I'll come back to see the improvements. 100% recommended.

“I can honestly say it was one of the most impressive and reassuring medical experiences I've had.”

My name is Anastasia, and I recently visited Ahead Clinic in Geneva for a full health check-up, including blood tests and a full-body MRI. I can honestly say it was one of the most impressive and reassuring medical experiences I've had. …

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Questions we could help with

My mother broke her hip at 70. Does that affect me too?

A parent’s hip fracture raises osteoporosis risk. DEXA measures your bone density as a baseline.

I'm going through menopause. Am I already losing bone?

Bone loss can accelerate after menopause. DEXA helps your doctor discuss next steps.

Could long-term steroids affect my bones?

Long-term corticosteroids can reduce bone density. DEXA helps your doctor assess the impact.

Can athletic people have low bone density?

Under-fuelling can weaken bones. Seek sports-medicine advice; under 50, DEXA needs a confirmed reason, such as stress fractures or missed periods.

How it works

Three steps to your DEXA scan

Book your scan
Schedule your DEXA scan at one of our partner clinics. A quick pre-consultation with our prevention specialists confirms your eligibility.
Your DEXA appointment
You lie comfortably on an open table while a scanner arm passes slowly over your hip and spine. Painless, no injection, very low radiation dose.
Get your results
Your T- and Z-scores are reviewed by Swiss doctors. You receive them together with your other results in the Ahead report — your risk in context, with concrete next steps.

Book with Full-body MRI Talk to our team

Insurance

Your supplementary insurance may cover part of it

Many Swiss supplementary plans contribute to preventive check-ups. Pick your insurer and see in a minute what yours may cover.

Assura

Concordia

Groupe Mutuel

ÖKK

Sympany

Assura

Concordia

Groupe Mutuel

ÖKK

Sympany

Assura

Concordia

Groupe Mutuel

ÖKK

Sympany

Assura

Concordia

Groupe Mutuel

ÖKK

Sympany

Atupri

CSS

Helsana

Sanitas

Visana

Atupri

CSS

Helsana

Sanitas

Visana

Atupri

CSS

Helsana

Sanitas

Visana

Atupri

CSS

Helsana

Sanitas

Visana

AXA

EGK

KPT

SWICA

AXA

EGK

KPT

SWICA

AXA

EGK

KPT

SWICA

AXA

EGK

KPT

SWICA

Check insurance coverage

Health reports without the headache

Medical data can be complex. Our interactive reports explain each result in simple terms with clear visuals.

Explore the report

HomeHealth reportAction plan

My account

Health report

Full-body MRI + 2 add-ons|29 October 2026

Selected report

Full-body MRI + 2 add-ons

29 October 2026

View detailsDownload report

38Biological age

1 yr younger than your age at the time of testing (39).

1.6%Heart risk score

Your 10-year cardiovascular risk is considered low-to-moderate (0%–2.5%).

89Biomarkers

12optimal73in range4out of range

10Results

1No finding5Observation4Minor

Summary

Prof. Dr. med. Olivio Donati

Hello,

Your recent health check-up provides a detailed overview of your health, showing some very positive developments alongside a few areas that warrant attention. The most notable findings are related to age-appropriate wear-and-tear in your spine.

1 clinical follow-upSpecialist consultation

2 health optimizationsExercise, Nutrition

Significance:No findingObservationMinorFollow-up recommended

Add to the same visit

The DEXA scan can be combined with other Ahead tests during the same visit to maximize health insights.

Full-body MRI

A full-body scan offering detailed insights into major organs for preventive health.

SpineNormal

1 Minor finding

Learn more

Advanced blood tests

Test 80+ biomarkers, including cholesterol and glucose, for a full health overview.

Cardiovascular health1.9% Heart risk score

Low

Learn more

Mamma MRI

Radiation-free imaging for early and precise assessment of your breast health.

BI-RADS category1 (scale 0–6)

No findings

Learn more

Hormone test for men

Test 7 key biomarkers like testosterone, estradiol and DHEA-S.

Free testosteroneLow

Low – see a doctor

Learn more

Hormone test for women

Test 8 hormone markers for women, including estradiol, progesterone, LH and FSH.

FSH9.8U/L

3.5-12.5Within range (follicular phase)

Learn more

Calcium score

A CT scan that measures calcium buildup in your coronary arteries.

Agatston score7AU

1-10Minimal

Learn more

~ Shown values are illustrative samples.

The experts behind your health journey

Every scan is personally reviewed by one of our renowned radiologists. Their combined expertise ensures you get the most accurate and actionable results.

Learn more →

Prof. Dr. med. Edouard Battegay

Emeritus Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Zurich. Head of the International Center for Multimorbidity and Complexity in Medicine.

Dr. Jacob J. Visser

Radiologist / CMIO. Assistant Professor of value-based imaging at Erasmus University Medical Center.

Prof. Dr. Benedikt Wiestler

Professor of AI for image-guided diagnosis and therapy at the Technical University of Munich.

Prof. Dr. med. Michael Fischer

Professor of Radiology at the University of Zurich, abdominal and musculoskeletal specialist.

Prof. Dr. med. Olivio Donati

Professor of Radiology at the University of Zurich, oncology specialist and leading Swiss prostate expert.

Dr. med. Anna Erat, MD, PhD

Harvard Medical School-trained prevention expert. Faculty position at the University of St. Gallen Executive School.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Our DEXA scan add-on measures your bone mineral density at the hip and lower spine, using a very low dose of X-rays. DEXA is the standard test doctors use to diagnose osteoporosis. A normal result doesn't rule out a fracture, because bone density is only one part of your fracture risk. Our DEXA scan doesn't measure body composition.

The full-body MRI shows changes in your whole spine and other scanned bones, such as a collapsed vertebra or wear and tear, but it can't measure bone density. You can add the DEXA scan to any MRI package at locations that offer it, but you can't book it on its own.

Anyone at higher risk of bone loss. Typical reasons include:

menopause, especially before age 45
a parent's hip fracture
a broken bone after a minor fall
corticosteroid tablets, such as prednisone, for 3 months or more
smoking, heavy drinking or a low body weight
a condition or medicine that weakens your bones, such as rheumatoid arthritis or some hormone treatments for breast or prostate cancer

Age adds to the risk, so the scan matters more the older you are. In younger people, missed periods or stress fractures can mean eating too little for their training. These also need a doctor's check now. Your pre-consultation checks whether the scan suits you.

No. Bone loss usually causes no symptoms until a bone breaks. A DEXA scan can show low bone density before a first fracture, so you and your doctor can act on it.

A normal result is reassuring, but it doesn't mean you can't break a bone. Your fracture risk also depends on your age, previous fractures, falls and other factors.

If you have broken a bone in a minor fall, have lost more than 4 cm in height as an adult, or are 50 or older and have new or sudden back pain, see your doctor now rather than waiting for a scan.

The scan takes about 15 minutes and is painless: you lie on an open table while a scanner arm passes over your hip and lower spine. It's done at the same visit as your MRI.

To prepare:

Don't take calcium supplements, including multivitamins with calcium, for 24 hours before the scan.
Leave jewellery at home and avoid clothing with metal, such as zips or buttons.
Tell us about metal implants in your hip or spine, and about any barium examination, contrast CT or nuclear medicine scan in the last 2 weeks: they can affect the measurement.

Both compare your bone density: the T-score with healthy young adults, the Z-score with people of your age and sex.

The T-score is used for women after menopause and men from 50. A T-score of −1 or higher is normal, between −1 and −2.5 means low bone density (osteopenia), and −2.5 or lower (for example −3) means osteoporosis.

The Z-score is used for women before menopause and men under 50. A Z-score of −2 or lower is below what's expected for your age, and a doctor should look for the cause.

A normal score doesn't rule out a fracture. Swiss doctors review your scores, and your report explains next steps.

Basic insurance (KVG) covers a DEXA scan only for specific medical reasons listed in law, and only when your doctor orders it. Examples are a bone broken in a minor fall or long-term corticosteroid (cortisone) treatment. Your deductible and co-payment then apply.

Our DEXA add-on is a preventive scan you book and pay for yourself, so basic insurance doesn't cover it, even if you have one of these reasons. If you do, ask your doctor whether they can order a covered scan. Some supplementary insurers contribute to preventive check-ups: check your plan with your insurer or with the coverage checker on our insurance page.

It depends on your first result and your risk. Bone density changes slowly, so scans less than about 2 years apart rarely show a reliable change. As a guide:

Normal bone density and no new risk factors: a repeat scan after several years is usually enough. Your report says when.
Low bone density (osteopenia): a follow-up scan after about 2 years.
Starting or taking a medicine that affects your bones, such as corticosteroids or some hormone treatments, or after a recent fracture: often sooner, as your doctor advises.

A first scan is most useful from 65, or from 50 if you have a higher risk of bone loss. Swiss doctors review your result, and your report explains when to scan again.

Not sure where to start? Find out in 5 minutes.

Answer a few questions. We'll recommend how often to test, and the tests and check-ups to add on top of your Ahead membership.

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Help me choose

DEXA scan

A low-dose X-ray of your hips and spine that measures bone mineral density and gives you a T-score (from age 50) or Z-score (under 50), the standard measures for bone density.

Full-body MRI prices & packages

Full-body MRI

Full-body MRI Advanced

Full-body MRI Pro

More scans with your MRI

Not sure which check‑up is right for you?

What would you like to focus on?

A bit about you

Questions we could help with

My mother broke her hip at 70. Does that affect me too?

I'm going through menopause. Am I already losing bone?

Could long-term steroids affect my bones?

Can athletic people have low bone density?

Three steps to your DEXA scan

Book your scan

Your DEXA appointment

Get your results

Your supplementary insurance may cover part of it

Health reports without the headache

Add to the same visit

Full-body MRI

Advanced blood tests

Mamma MRI

Hormone test for men

Hormone test for women

Calcium score

The experts behind your health journey

Frequently asked questions

Not sure where to start? Find out in 5 minutes.

Frequently asked questions