AI is rapidly changing how people approach their health, and new research shows just how far that shift has gone in the UK. A nationwide study by Confused.com Life Insurance found that around three in five Britons now use AI tools to look up symptoms, check side effects, and explore possible conditions. For many, this is not casual curiosity — more than one in ten say AI has already helped improve their health, and over a third expect to rely on it more in the future instead of booking GP appointments.
Long waiting times are a major driver. With the average GP appointment taking around 10 days to secure, online health searches have surged. Queries such as “what is my illness?” and “what are the symptoms?” have climbed sharply, showing that people are turning to AI when traditional healthcare feels slow or hard to access.
What people ask AI about their health
The most common use of AI in this space is simple symptom checking, with nearly two-thirds of users turning to tools like ChatGPT for that purpose. Half use AI to understand side effects, while others look for lifestyle and wellbeing tips. Mental health support is also part of the picture, with a significant number using AI for therapy-style advice and coping strategies.
Younger people are driving much of this adoption. While a third of over-65s now use AI for health checks, usage among 18- to 24-year-olds is dramatically higher, with most in that group regularly searching for health information through AI tools.
Why people trust AI with their health
Speed and convenience top the list. Many people feel that waiting weeks to see a doctor is too risky when symptoms appear, especially for parents or carers looking after loved ones. For some, AI also offers a more comfortable way to talk about personal health issues than face-to-face conversations with a clinician.
Cost plays a role too. A growing number of users believe AI can help them avoid or delay private healthcare fees by providing early guidance. For groups who often feel overlooked by traditional systems, including non-binary and gender-diverse people, AI has been especially impactful, with many saying it has helped them understand and manage their health better.
How helpful is AI really
Most users report at least some benefit. A majority say AI has helped them either a great deal or somewhat, and only a small minority felt it made no difference. Importantly, many see AI not as a replacement for doctors, but as a first step that helps them decide whether to seek professional care.
Health experts agree with that cautious optimism. AI can help people understand symptoms and prepare for appointments, but it cannot provide a definitive diagnosis or treatment plan. Serious or long-term conditions still require medical professionals.
ChatGPT Health enters the picture
The trend toward AI-powered healthcare support is accelerating with the launch of ChatGPT Health. This feature allows users to connect personal medical records and wellness apps, enabling more personalised responses rather than generic advice. With hundreds of millions of health-related queries already being made each week, the demand for this kind of tool is clear.
OpenAI has been careful to stress that ChatGPT Health is designed to support, not replace, medical care. It can help people understand lab results, track wellness, and make sense of symptoms, but it does not provide official diagnoses.
A new layer in healthcare
As AI becomes a routine part of how people think about their health, the relationship between patients and healthcare providers is evolving. AI is filling the gap between noticing something is wrong and getting professional help. The challenge ahead will be ensuring that this digital first step leads to better, not riskier, outcomes for patients who still need expert care.
