Are You Healthy? Exploring the Rise of AI in Self-Diagnosis: 59% of Brits Rely on Technology for Health Insights
AI advancements are transforming the way individuals approach health-related issues. A recent study by Confused.com Life Insurance reveals that nearly 60% of Brits now utilize AI to self-diagnose health conditions. Respondents reported using AI to search for information on symptoms, treatment options, and side effects. Impressively, 11% stated that AI has actually improved their health conditions. Additionally, a significant portion, 35%, expressed their intention to rely on AI for health-related inquiries in the future, rather than traditional GP appointments, which are becoming increasingly difficult to secure at short notice.
In the UK, the average wait time for a GP appointment currently stands at ten days, leaving many seeking quicker answers. Subsequently, the volume of health-related searches has surged dramatically since January 2025. For instance, searches for “what is my illness?” increased by 85%, while inquiries about symptoms rose by 33% and side effects by 22%.
Common Queries With AI Assistance
Among the most frequent AI-assisted health queries, symptom checks topped the list—63% of individuals sought this information, followed closely by inquiries about side effects at 50% and lifestyle changes at 38%. Notably, 20% of users turned to AI for mental health support, viewing tools like ChatGPT as virtual therapists.
Interestingly, AI usage rates vary by age. For example, while 35% of respondents aged 65 and above reported using AI for self-diagnosis, a remarkable 85% of 18-24 year-olds engaged with AI for health-related searches.
Tom Vaughan, a life insurance expert at Confused.com, commented on these trends, stating that advancements in AI technology have revolutionized how people approach healthcare and self-diagnosis. Individuals increasingly take proactive steps to monitor their health, seeking swift resolutions to their concerns.
Benefits of AI in Self-Diagnosis
Long waiting times for GP appointments have led 42% of respondents to favor AI as a quicker diagnostic tool compared to traditional consultations. Some 50% of those aged 25-34 and 51% of those aged 35-44 lack comfort in delaying their health inquiries, acknowledging that self-diagnosis offers a faster response.
Family health management is another factor, with 20% using AI to identify supportive measures for loved ones. A notable 24% feel more at ease discussing their health via AI rather than in a face-to-face meeting with a healthcare provider, with this feeling rising to 39% among younger users aged 18-24.
The pursuit of alternative medical solutions through AI has gained traction, especially among those aged 25-34, where 27% reported seeking alternative support. Financial considerations also play a crucial role, with 20% believing that self-diagnosis through AI could substantially reduce private healthcare costs.
AI technology appears particularly beneficial for non-binary individuals, with 75% indicating significant assistance from AI-driven diagnosis compared to only 13% for men and 9% for women.
Overall, many users report favorable outcomes from AI interaction, with 11% asserting that AI significantly improved their health conditions, and 41% noting some level of assistance. While it is crucial that AI not be viewed as a definitive diagnostic tool, it serves as a preliminary aid, hopefully prompting users to seek formal medical evaluations when necessary.
However, a small minority (9%) believe AI has not been beneficial for their health issues, highlighting the ongoing reliability of traditional healthcare methods.
Vaughan reinforces the need for professional consultations: “While AI can be instrumental in initial inquiries and condition awareness, it is essential for ultimate reassurance to consult a qualified healthcare professional. Only trained medical staff can deliver precise diagnoses, crucial for preventing potential escalation of health conditions."
Launch of ChatGPT Health
The findings from Confused.com are complemented by OpenAI’s recent introduction of the ChatGPT Health feature, created to address a growing number of health inquiries on their platform. Reports show that over 230 million health-related questions are processed weekly.
ChatGPT Health allows users to integrate personal medical records and wellness applications, enabling the AI to present personalized responses rather than generalized information. Nonetheless, OpenAI emphasizes that the feature is not designed to replace formal medical advice and should complement traditional healthcare practices.
The insight gained from hundreds of physicians during the development of ChatGPT Health aims to enhance user clarity and safety. Despite it not being a substitute for medical professionals, reliance on AI for health guidance is anticipated to increase, raising crucial considerations for patient care and the trust in clinical processes.
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