Almost two in three Britons, or 59 per cent, now use AI self-diagnosis to check health conditions, new research suggests.
The findings point to more people using tools such as ChatGPT to build their health knowledge and attempt self-diagnosis, as average GP waiting times reach 19 days.
Searches for “what is my illness?” have increased by 85 per cent since January 2025, while searches for “what are the symptoms for” and “side effects” have risen by 33 per cent and 22 per cent respectively.
Tom Vaughan, life insurance expert at Confused.com, which led the research, said: “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 wellbeing, getting ahead of health concerns and addressing situations as quickly as possible.
“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.”
Symptom checks topped the list of queries, with 63 per cent of people using AI to look up any physical or mental effects they are feeling.
Half of respondents researched side effects linked to medication or conditions, while 38 per cent looked into lifestyle and wellbeing techniques in diet and fitness.
Treatment options such as medication and surgery were searched by 30 per cent, and one in five people sought mental health support, including therapy and cognitive behavioural therapy, a talking therapy that helps manage problems by changing thought patterns.
The research found 35 per cent of people aged 65 and over are using AI for self-diagnosis, while 85 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds regularly use it for health searches.
Overall, 11 per cent said using AI helped their health situation “a great deal”, while 41 per cent said it helped “somewhat”. Only nine per cent said it did not help them at all.
More than four in 10 respondents said using AI was quicker than waiting for a doctor’s appointment, with 50 per cent of 25 to 34-year-olds and 51 per cent of 35 to 44-year-olds believing self-diagnosis online was a faster way to respond than waiting for a doctor.
Almost a quarter felt more comfortable not having to speak face to face with a health professional, rising to 39 per cent among 18 to 24-year-olds. Meanwhile, 17 per cent were seeking alternative medical advice and solutions.
Eirini Theodoridou, 32, from Leeds, used AI to get advice on exercises and stretches for her plantar fasciitis, a condition that causes heel and foot pain.
She said: “Yes, I followed the recommended exercises and they did help. The stretches and strengthening routines were beneficial in alleviating some of the discomfort and improving mobility.
“It took about 3 to 4 weeks of consistent exercise and stretching to notice a significant reduction in pain.
“Improvement wasn’t immediate, but the exercises made a noticeable difference.”
Michael Taylor, 28, from Manchester, used AI to research symptoms which suggested eczema or dermatitis, skin conditions that cause inflammation and irritation.
After receiving a formal diagnosis and a prescription for several creams from his doctor, he used AI to create a structured regimen for using the products.
He said: “I think AI works well as an initial point of reference if you’re unsure about symptoms, especially when they’re visible (i.e. skin).
“It can help narrow down potential causes and avoid the spiral of worst-case scenarios that often comes from Googling. I think AI for medical assistance is helpful in checking initial symptoms and causes.”
