AI advancements are changing the way we look at health and deal with health-related issues. According to a new nationwide study by Confused.com Life Insurance, three in five Brits now use AI to self-diagnose health conditions. Through various searches, like side effects of medical conditions, treatment options, and symptom checks, as much as 11% of respondents claim AI has helped improve their conditions. More than a third (35%) are likely to use AI in this context in the future, moving away from traditional GP appointments – increasingly harder to get at short notice.
In the UK, the average GP appointment waiting time is currently 10 days, a period too long for many. Therefore, health related searches have significantly risen since January 2025, including “what is my illness?”, increasing by 85%, “what are the symptoms for?” (33%), and “side effects” (22%).
Most common health-related queries with AI
According to Confused.com, the most searched for health-related query is symptom checks, with 63% seeking advice from AI. Next are side effects at 50% and lifestyle and well-being techniques at 38%. 20% have also sought mental health support through therapy or recommended coping strategies, treating ChatGPT as their virtual therapist.
35% of respondents over 65 are using AI to self diagnose, with 54% using the technology to check their symptoms. This pales in comparison to 18-24 year olds, with 85% using AI to search regularly for health issues.
Tom Vaughan, life insurance expert at Confused.com, commented on these latest findings, saying, “Advances in AI technology have created a new way for people to approach healthcare and self-diagnosis. More individuals are taking steps to support their own and their family’s well-being, getting ahead of health concerns and addressing situations as quickly as possible.”
AI self diagnosis potential benefits
With current GP waiting times sometimes reaching a month, it is no surprise that 42% claimed AI is quicker than waiting for a doctor’s appointment. 50% of 25-34 year olds and 51% of 35-44 year olds said they are not comfortable taking any risks with timings, believing self-diagnosis provides a faster response than waiting for a GP.
Family well-being is also crucial, with 20% using AI to determine the best methods to support their loved one’s health. Not having to physically speak to a doctor is another reason many turned to AI. 24% said they feel more comfortable using AI than discussing their health face to face with a healthcare professional, rising to 39% for 18-24 year olds.
17% are searching for alternative medical solutions and support via AI, increasing to 27% for those aged 25-34. Money is another key factor, as 20% feel self diagnosis through AI could save them substantial private healthcare fees.
AI has also had a positive influence for non-binary individuals and those with an alternative identity. 75% said the technology’s diagnosis had helped them a “great deal”, compared to just 13% for men and 9% for women.
Overall, AI seems to have a positive impact on users’ health situations. For instance, 11% stated that AI has helped their health conditions “a great deal,” while 41% claimed it has helped “somewhat.” The hope is that this self-diagnosis, though not guaranteeing accuracy, will encourage people to visit their GP for a formal diagnosis.
Only a minority of respondents (9%) felt AI has not helped their health in any way, indicating traditional healthcare methods are more reliable.
Tom Vaughan emphasised the importance of GP consultations. “While AI can be useful for initial research and gaining an understanding of a condition, it’s clear that for the ultimate peace of mind people should consult a GP or pharmacist. GPs and other medical professionals are the only people who can accurately diagnose conditions, some of which may worsen or become long-term illnesses without the proper treatment.”
OpenAI launches ChatGPT Health
Confused.com‘s insights into AI use for health concerns coincides with OpenAI’s launch of its new ChatGPT Health feature, part of the ChatGPT platform. This has been set up to meet the substantial number of health-related queries made on the site each day. Figures suggest over 230 million health-related inquiries are made weekly.
ChatGPT Health allows users to connect their personal medical records and wellness apps, like Apple Health, allowing the AI to provide tailored responses, rather than general knowledge surrounding certain health conditions.
Although set up to help users find answers to their health questions, OpenAI has stressed the new feature is not a diagnostic tool or substitute for professional medical care. It has been designed to support medical care, like understanding lab results and track wellness, rather than replace it and give formal medical diagnoses or treatment plans.
ChatGPT Health has been developed with input from hundreds of physicians around the world, ensuring clarity and safety for its users. Despite not being a substitute for medical professionals and traditional GP appointments, the number of people turning to AI for health information and help to understand medical issues is expected to rise, raising important questions and potential repercussions for patient care and clinical trust.
(Image source: “The Sick Classroom by Nge Lay” by Jnzl’s Photos is licensed under CC BY 2.0.)
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