AI Diagnosis: The New Norm for Brits’ Health Concerns

Artificial intelligence (AI) advancements have revolutionized the healthcare landscape, transforming how individuals approach health-related issues. A recent nationwide study conducted by Confused.com Life Insurance revealed that three out of five Brits now rely on AI for self-diagnosing health conditions. By utilizing AI for searches related to medical conditions’ side effects, treatment options, and symptom checks, 11% of respondents reported that AI has positively impacted their health conditions. The study also indicated that 35% of individuals are inclined to use AI for self-diagnosis in the future, moving away from traditional GP appointments, which are becoming increasingly difficult to secure on short notice.

In the UK, the average waiting time for a GP appointment is currently 10 days, a period deemed too lengthy by many. Consequently, health-related searches have surged since January 2025, with an 85% increase in queries such as “what is my illness?”, a 33% rise in searches for “what are the symptoms for?”, and a 22% increase in searches related to “side effects”.

Most Common Health-Related Queries with AI

According to Confused.com, the most sought-after health-related query is symptom checks, with 63% of individuals seeking advice from AI. This is followed by searches for side effects at 50% and lifestyle and well-being techniques at 38%. Additionally, 20% of respondents have sought mental health support through therapy or recommended coping strategies, treating ChatGPT as their virtual therapist.

Among the age groups, 35% of respondents over 65 use AI for self-diagnosis, with 54% utilizing the technology to check their symptoms. This contrasts with the 18-24 age group, where 85% regularly use AI for health issue searches.

Tom Vaughan, a life insurance expert at Confused.com, commented on the study’s findings, stating, “Advances in AI technology have introduced a new approach to healthcare and self-diagnosis. More individuals are proactively supporting their health and that of their families, addressing health concerns promptly.”

Potential Benefits of AI Self-Diagnosis

Given the prolonged waiting times for GP appointments, 42% of respondents believe that AI is quicker than waiting to see a doctor. Individuals in the 25-34 and 35-44 age brackets, with 50% and 51% respectively, prefer the faster response provided by self-diagnosis over waiting for a GP.

Family well-being is a top priority, with 20% of individuals using AI to determine the best methods to support their loved ones’ health. The convenience of not having to engage in face-to-face discussions with a doctor was another reason many turned to AI. Additionally, 24% find it more comfortable to use AI than to discuss their health with a healthcare professional in person, a sentiment that is even more pronounced among 18-24 year-olds, with 39% expressing this preference.

Furthermore, 17% of users are seeking alternative medical solutions and support through AI, a figure that rises to 27% among individuals aged 25-34. The cost-saving aspect is also significant, as 20% believe that self-diagnosis through AI could potentially save them substantial private healthcare fees.

AI has notably benefited non-binary individuals and those with alternative identities, with 75% stating that AI’s diagnosis has greatly assisted them, compared to 13% for men and 9% for women.

Overall, AI has had a positive impact on users’ health situations, with 11% reporting significant improvement in their health conditions and 41% acknowledging some level of improvement. While self-diagnosis through AI does not guarantee accuracy, it is hoped that it will encourage individuals to seek formal diagnosis from a GP.

A small minority of respondents (9%) indicated that AI has not positively impacted their health in any way, underscoring the reliability of traditional healthcare methods.

Tom Vaughan stressed the importance of GP consultations, noting, “While AI can serve as a valuable tool for preliminary research and understanding a condition, consulting a GP or pharmacist is essential for peace of mind. Only medical professionals can accurately diagnose conditions, some of which may worsen without proper treatment.”

OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Health

The insights from Confused.com on AI utilization for health concerns align with OpenAI’s introduction of ChatGPT Health, a new feature within the ChatGPT platform. This initiative aims to cater to the substantial volume of daily health-related inquiries on the platform, which currently exceeds 230 million per week.

ChatGPT Health enables users to link their personal medical records and wellness apps, such as Apple Health, allowing AI to offer personalized responses rather than general information on specific health conditions.

It is important to note that while ChatGPT Health assists users in finding answers to health queries, OpenAI emphasizes that the feature is not a diagnostic tool or a substitute for professional medical care. The platform is designed to complement medical care by aiding in understanding lab results and tracking wellness, rather than providing formal medical diagnoses or treatment plans.

Developed with input from hundreds of physicians globally, ChatGPT Health prioritizes user clarity and safety. Although not a replacement for medical professionals and traditional GP visits, the growing number of individuals turning to AI for health information underscores the evolving landscape of 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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