Brits increasingly turn to AI for health diagnosis

AI advancements are transforming how we approach and manage health. A new nationwide study by Confused.com Life Insurance reveals that three in five Brits now turn to AI for health self-diagnosis. From searching for symptoms and treatment options to checking side effects, 11% of respondents credit AI with improving their health conditions. Looking ahead, more than a third (35%) are likely to use AI for health guidance, moving away from traditional GP appointments, which are increasingly difficult to secure at short notice.

In the UK, the average wait time for a GP appointment is now 10 days—a delay many find too long. Consequently, health-related online searches have surged since January 2025. Queries like “what is my illness?” have risen by 85%, while searches for “symptoms” and “side effects” have increased by 33% and 22%, respectively.

Most common health-related queries with AI

According to Confused.com, symptom checking is the most common health-related query, with 63% seeking AI advice. This is followed by inquiries about side effects (50%) and lifestyle and well-being techniques (38%). Additionally, 20% have used AI for mental health support, treating platforms like ChatGPT as a virtual therapist for coping strategies and therapy recommendations.

Among respondents over 65, 35% use AI for self-diagnosis, with 54% leveraging the technology to check symptoms. This contrasts sharply with 18-24 year olds, where 85% regularly use AI to research health concerns.

Tom Vaughan, a life insurance expert at Confused.com, commented on these findings: “Advances in AI technology are opening new avenues for healthcare and self-diagnosis. More people are taking proactive steps to safeguard their own and their family’s well-being, addressing potential health issues as promptly as possible.”

AI self diagnosis potential benefits

With GP waiting times sometimes stretching to a month, it's unsurprising that 42% of people find AI faster than waiting for a doctor's appointment. Among 25-34 and 35-44 year olds, 50% and 51% respectively are unwilling to risk delays, believing self-diagnosis offers a quicker response.

Family well-being is another key driver, with 20% using AI to explore the best ways to support a loved one's health. The privacy of AI interactions also appeals to many: 24% feel more comfortable using AI than discussing their health face-to-face with a professional, a figure that rises to 39% among 18-24 year olds.

17% search for alternative medical solutions via AI, increasing to 27% for those aged 25-34. Cost is another significant factor, as 20% believe AI self-diagnosis could save them substantial private healthcare fees.

AI has also proven particularly beneficial for non-binary individuals and those with alternative gender identities. 75% report that AI diagnoses have helped them a “great deal,” compared to 13% of men and 9% of women.

Overall, AI appears to have a positive impact on users' health. 11% state that AI has helped their health conditions “a great deal,” while 41% say it has helped “somewhat.” This trend may encourage people to seek formal medical consultations, even though AI cannot guarantee accuracy.

Only a small minority (9%) feel AI has not helped their health at all, suggesting that traditional healthcare methods remain the most trusted source for many.

Tom Vaughan emphasised the continued importance of professional consultations. “While AI can be valuable for initial research and understanding conditions, it’s clear that for definitive peace of mind, people should consult a GP or pharmacist. Medical professionals are the only ones who can accurately diagnose conditions, some of which may worsen without proper treatment.”

OpenAI launches ChatGPT Health

These insights into AI health use coincide with OpenAI's launch of ChatGPT Health, a new feature within the ChatGPT platform. It was created in response to the vast number of daily health-related queries on the site—over 230 million each week.

ChatGPT Health allows users to connect personal medical records and wellness apps like Apple Health, enabling the AI to provide tailored responses based on individual data rather than general knowledge.

Although designed to help users find health information, OpenAI stresses that the feature is not a diagnostic tool or a substitute for professional medical care. Its purpose is to support healthcare—for example, by helping users understand lab results and track wellness—not to provide formal diagnoses or treatment plans.

The development of ChatGPT Health involved input from hundreds of physicians worldwide to ensure clarity and safety. Despite not replacing medical professionals, the growing reliance on AI for health information is expected to rise, raising important questions about patient care and clinical trust.

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