How AI Advances are Shaping Health Self-Diagnosis in the UK
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the way we approach health and treat health-related issues. Recent research by Confused.com Life Insurance reveals that 60% of Brits are now using AI for self-diagnosing health conditions. A significant number, 11%, of respondents reported that their symptoms improved with AI’s help. This trend is expected to rise, with 35% of respondents indicating they will likely use AI in future health matters, instead of relying on traditional GP appointments, which are increasingly difficult to secure.
Surge in AI Health-Related Searches
With the average waiting time for a GP appointment in the UK currently at ten days, health-related searches have significantly increased. Since January 2025, queries like “What is my illness?” have surged by 85%, “What are the symptoms?” by 33%, and “side effects” by 22%.
The Most Common Health-Related Queries Using AI
Confused.com reports that symptom checks are the most popular health-related searches, with 63% of respondents seeking advice from AI. Searches for side effects and lifestyle and wellness techniques followed, at 50% and 38% respectively. Notably, 20% of respondents sought mental health support, using AI as their virtual therapist.
Demographics and AI Self-Diagnosis
Among those over 65, 35% use AI for self-diagnosis, while 54% use it for symptom checks. This usage is considerably lower compared to 18-24 year olds, where 85% use AI for regular health screenings. Tom Vaughan, a life insurance expert at Confused.com, commented on these findings, noting that the advances in AI technology have provided a new avenue for people to manage their health and self-diagnose. He highlighted that more people are now taking proactive steps to support their and their families’ well-being.
Potential Benefits of AI Self-Diagnosis
The lengthy waiting times for GP appointments have led 42% of respondents to prefer AI, considering it faster for initial diagnosis. Interestingly, half of the respondents aged between 25 and 44 don’t feel comfortable with the risks associated with waiting for a doctor’s appointment, believing that self-diagnosis through AI would yield quicker responses.
AI’s convenience and access also play a significant role in family well-being. Approximately 20% use AI to determine the best ways to support their loved ones’ health. The comfort of not having to discuss health issues face-to-face with a doctor is another reason why many prefer AI, with 24% of respondents indicating they feel more comfortable using AI than speaking to a healthcare professional in person.
AI also proves beneficial for those seeking alternative medical solutions and those hoping to save on private healthcare costs, with 17% and 20% of respondents respectively citing these reasons. Additionally, AI has a positive impact on non-binary individuals and those with alternative identities, with 75% stating that AI’s diagnosis had helped them significantly.
However, it’s crucial to remember that while AI can provide quick, initial insights, it’s not a substitute for professional medical advice. Tom Vaughan emphasized the importance of consulting a GP or pharmacist for accurate diagnosis and treatment, particularly for conditions that could potentially exacerbate without appropriate care.
OpenAI’s ChatGPT Health
These insights coincide with the launch of OpenAI’s new ChatGPT healthcare feature, developed to cater to the growing number of health-related queries made daily. OpenAI reports that over 230 million health-related queries are made every week, indicating a high demand for easily accessible health information.
ChatGPT Health allows users to link their personal medical records and wellness apps like Apple Health, enabling AI to provide personalized answers to health queries. However, OpenAI emphasizes that this feature is not a diagnostic tool or a replacement for professional medical care, but a support tool for understanding lab results and tracking health statuses.
Developed with the help of hundreds of doctors worldwide, ChatGPT Health aims to provide clarity and security for its users. With the number of people turning to AI for health information expected to increase, these developments raise important questions about patient care and clinical trust moving forward.
If you want to learn more about AI and big data from industry leaders, check out the AI & Big Data Expo taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London. You can find more information Here.
