Introduction

For those considering cryopreservation, two prominent options are Alcor Life Extension Foundation, based in the United States, and Tomorrow Biostasis, a provider based in Europe that now also serves American customers since July 2024. This comparison examines both organizations in various catagories to help you make the best possible choise for your circumstances.

Both Alcor and Tomorrow Biostasis serve the mission of preserving individuals at subzero temperatures with the hope of future medical intervention. In my opinion, both of these organizations are at the top of the field.

Both Alcor and Tomorrow Biostasis are fantasitc and professional organizations. Whatever you choose, these companies will serve your needs. Since costs are similar, the choice comes down to location and pay structure. For many people, Alcor is better if you live in the US, and Tomorrow is better if you live in or near Europe.

Recommended For

Tomorrow Biostasis may be better for you if:

• You want to get started with lower initial costs - membership can begin at as little as €25/month (~$28 USD)
• You prefer a monthly payment model rather than annual dues
• You want comprehensive standby services included at a potentially lower price point than Alcor
• You're interested in neurocryopreservation at a lower cost than Alcor (€60,000 vs $80,000)
• You travel frequently, especially internationally
• You prefer a modern, tech-focused approach with digital tools and resources
• You want pet preservation services

Alcor may be better for you if:

• You value organizational longevity and track record (Alcor has been operating since 1972)
• You prefer a U.S.-based organization with its primary storage facility in the United States
• You value Alcor's extensive case reports and published research
• You prefer individual patient dewars for storage
• You want a non-profit organization with a well-established patient care trust
• You're located in the western United States where Alcor has faster response times

Note that while Tomorrow Biostasis offers the lowest initial entry costs with its monthly membership model, the total funding required for preservation is similar to Alcor's pricing for whole-body preservation.

Company Overview

Alcor Background

Alcor is one of the oldest and most established cryonics organizations in the world. Founded in 1972, it has accumulated extensive experience in both the practical and research aspects of human cryopreservation. As a non-profit organization, its operational focus is the long-term preservation of its members rather than generating profits for shareholders.

Tomorrow Biostasis Background

Tomorrow Biostasis represents the new generation of cryonics providers. Founded in 2020 by Dr. Emil Kendziorra and Fernando Azevedo Pinheiro, it has quickly established itself as Europe's leading cryonics organization and has expanded to serve American customers as of July 2024. As a for-profit company partnered with the non-profit European Biostasis Foundation for storage, Tomorrow has adopted a more contemporary business approach, with a strong emphasis on technological innovation, user experience, and accessibility.

The significant difference in operating history means Alcor has a much longer track record and more cases to evaluate, while Tomorrow brings a fresh approach to the industry with newer technologies and methodologies. With 750+ members across 45+ countries, Tomorrow has grown rapidly in its first few years of operation.

Services & Options

Preservation Options

Both organizations offer the two standard options in cryonics:

• Whole body preservation - The entire body is preserved
• Neurocryopreservation - Only the head is preserved, containing the brain which houses identity and memories

The philosophical and practical considerations for choosing between these options are essentially the same regardless of which provider you select. Both organizations provide similar quality of care for either option.

Standby and Stabilization

Both organizations include standby and stabilization services in their membership packages, but with different geographical strengths:

• Alcor has well-established teams in North America, particularly around Scottsdale, AZ and major U.S. cities
• Tomorrow has developed its strongest standby infrastructure in Germany, Switzerland, and expanding throughout Europe

This geographical difference is perhaps the most significant practical consideration for most members - the quality of response is typically highest when you're in the provider's primary service area.

Documentation and Member Experience

A notable difference between the organizations is their approach to member documentation and processes:

• Alcor has developed extensive legal documentation over its 50-year history, which some members find complex but offers comprehensive coverage
• Tomorrow has created a more streamlined, digital-first experience with a focus on user-friendly processes and paperwork

Additional Services

Both organizations offer services beyond basic cryopreservation:

• Alcor provides pet cryopreservation services for active members, though this requires advance arrangement and is conducted at their facility
• Tomorrow offers pet cryopreservation services as part of their broader service offerings

Technology & Methods

Cryoprotection and Vitrification

Both organizations use modern vitrification methods rather than the older straight freezing techniques:

• Alcor uses M22, a cryoprotectant solution developed by 21st Century Medicine, with extensive published research behind it
• Tomorrow uses a proprietary vitrification solution, though less technical information has been published about their specific formulation

Vitrification aims to prevent ice crystal formation by transforming tissues into a glass-like state rather than freezing them. Both organizations follow similar principles in this regard.

Field Procedures

The initial stabilization procedures following legal death are similar for both organizations:

• Rapid cooling
• Cardiopulmonary support
• Administration of medications to stabilize the patient
• Transport to the facility for cryoprotective perfusion

The main difference is geographical coverage, with Alcor having more established operations in North America and Tomorrow in Europe.

Research and Development

Both organizations engage in research, though with different approaches:

• Alcor has a longer research history and has published numerous studies and case reports over its 50-year existence
• Tomorrow brings a newer approach with modern tech integration and partnerships, though with a shorter track record

Alcor's greater transparency with published protocols and case reports provides more insight into their technical processes, while Tomorrow has published fewer technical details to date.

Pricing & Membership

Basic Pricing Structure

The cost structures between the two organizations differ in several notable ways:

• Alcor charges both a cryopreservation minimum ($80,000 for neuro, $220,000 for whole body) plus annual membership dues based on the Age-Based Dues structure
• Tomorrow uses a simpler all-inclusive pricing model (€60,000 for neuro, €200,000 for whole body) with no separate membership dues

For neurocryopreservation specifically, Tomorrow appears to offer a more economical option, especially when factoring in the absence of annual dues.

Funding Methods

Both organizations accept similar funding methods:

• Life insurance (most common method for both providers)
• Direct payment
• Trusts and other financial vehicles

Tomorrow's European focus means they have established relationships with European life insurance providers, while Alcor has stronger relationships with U.S. insurance companies.

Cost Transparency

There are differences in how the organizations break down their costs:

• Alcor provides detailed breakdowns of how funds are allocated (e.g., Patient Care Trust, Comprehensive Member Standby)
• Tomorrow uses a simpler all-inclusive model but provides less detailed allocation information

Insurance & Funding Options

Life Insurance as a Primary Funding Method

Both Alcor and Tomorrow Biostasis recommend life insurance as the primary funding method for cryopreservation costs. This approach makes the substantial preservation costs manageable through affordable monthly premiums.

Term life insurance can be remarkably affordable, especially if secured when you're young and healthy:

• A healthy 25-year-old might pay as little as $15-30 per month for a $200,000 policy
• A healthy 35-year-old might pay $25-45 per month for the same coverage
• Even at age 45-50, many healthy individuals can secure appropriate coverage for under $100 per month

Tomorrow's Insurance Partnerships

Tomorrow Biostasis offers comprehensive guidance through partner insurance advisors who specialize in cryonics arrangements. Their annual membership plan unlocks a 5% discount on insurance quotes from their European insurance partner.

For a 30-year-old seeking whole-body preservation, Tomorrow estimates:

• Membership fee: €50/month (~$55/month)
• Estimated insurance fee: €32/month (~$35/month)
• Total estimated monthly cost: €82/month (~$90/month)

Alcor's Insurance Requirements

Alcor requires that the insurance policy:

• Lists Alcor as the primary beneficiary
• Provides sufficient coverage for the chosen preservation option ($220,000 for whole-body or $80,000 for neurocryopreservation)
• Remains in force throughout the member's lifetime

Alcor maintains relationships with insurance agents familiar with their requirements and can provide recommendations upon request.

Alternative Funding Options

Both organizations also accept alternative funding methods:

• Direct payment or prepayment
• Trusts designated for cryopreservation funding
• Tomorrow Biostasis also accepts cryptocurrency payments

The organizations recommend consulting with financial advisors familiar with cryonics funding to determine the best approach for your situation.

Standby & Transport

Geographic Considerations

Where you live remains a significant factor in your choice:

• If you live in Europe: Tomorrow Biostasis offers dedicated standby teams with better coverage across most European countries
• If you live in the United States: You now have options with both Alcor and Tomorrow, as Tomorrow has expanded to serve American customers since July 2024. Alcor has a longer track record in the US, while Tomorrow offers a newer approach with its international team.
• If you travel frequently: Tomorrow's international presence might provide more consistent coverage if you divide your time between Europe and the US.

The response time after legal death is critical for preservation quality, so proximity to standby teams is an important consideration in your decision.

Facilities & Storage

Storage Facilities

The storage approaches differ mainly in location and operational structure:

• Alcor maintains its own dedicated facility in Scottsdale, Arizona, where all patients are stored in liquid nitrogen dewars
• Tomorrow partners with specialized cryogenic storage facilities in Switzerland, where patients are maintained in similar liquid nitrogen environments

Environmental Considerations

The locations have different environmental profiles:

• Alcor's Arizona location offers low humidity, minimal natural disaster risk, but higher ambient temperatures
• Tomorrow's Swiss location provides political stability in a region known for long-term security and reliability

Facility Track Record

The organizations have substantially different operational histories:

• Alcor has maintained patients in continuous cryopreservation for decades, demonstrating long-term operational stability
• Tomorrow is much newer, though they partner with established cryogenic facilities with their own operational histories

Financial Stability

Long-term Financial Structure

Both organizations have established structures for long-term patient care, though with different approaches:

• Alcor maintains a Patient Care Trust, legally separate from its operating funds. For whole body preservation, $115,000 of the member's funding goes into the Trusts, while $25,000 is allocated for neurocryopreservation. In 2018, Alcor formed two independent 501(c)(3) supporting organization trusts to provide additional liability protection for these investments.
• Tomorrow has established the Tomorrow Foundation to manage long-term patient care, though as a newer organization, its long-term funding reserves are still developing

Organizational Sustainability

The organizations have different risk and sustainability profiles:

• Alcor's 50+ year history demonstrates organizational resilience, though as a non-profit it operates with more limited resources
• Tomorrow's for-profit model potentially allows for more capital investment, though it has a much shorter track record

Financial Transparency

As a non-profit, Alcor provides greater financial transparency through published financial statements and detailed explanations of its Patient Care Trust. Tomorrow, as a private company, discloses less detailed financial information publicly.

Pros & Cons

Conclusion & Recommendation

Geographic Considerations

Where you live remains a significant factor in your choice:

• If you live in Europe: Tomorrow Biostasis offers dedicated standby teams with better coverage across most European countries
• If you live in the United States: You now have options with both Alcor and Tomorrow, as Tomorrow has expanded to serve American customers since July 2024. Alcor has a longer track record in the US, while Tomorrow offers a newer approach with its international team.
• If you travel frequently: Tomorrow's international presence might provide more consistent coverage if you divide your time between Europe and the US.

Other Considerations

Beyond geography, your choice might be influenced by:

• Budget sensitivity: Tomorrow's neurocryopreservation option is less expensive, especially when factoring in Alcor's membership dues
• Risk tolerance: Alcor's longer track record may appeal to those prioritizing established operations
• Communication preferences: Tomorrow offers a more modern digital experience, while Alcor provides more extensive documentation

Final Assessment

Both Alcor and Tomorrow Biostasis represent credible options for cryopreservation with different strengths and limitations. Your personal circumstances, particularly your geographic location, financial situation, and values regarding organizational track record versus innovation, should guide your decision.