BRITS TURN TO AI FOR HEALTH ADVICE AS GP WAITING TIMES STRETCH

A growing number of people in the UK are turning to artificial intelligence to assess their health, as long waits for GP appointments and rising awareness of digital tools reshape how consumers seek medical information.

New research by Confused.com Life Insurance suggests that nearly three in five adults in Britain now use AI to self-diagnose health issues, with a further third saying they would consider doing so in future. The findings point to a significant shift in public behaviour, as AI-powered tools increasingly sit alongside traditional healthcare pathways.

The study found that symptom checks dominate AI-based health searches, with almost two-thirds of respondents using technology to explore physical or mental symptoms they are experiencing. Searches relating to side effects, treatment options and lifestyle-based wellbeing advice are also widespread, reflecting a desire for quick, accessible information.

This trend has emerged against a backdrop of mounting pressure on primary care services. The average waiting time for a GP appointment in the UK currently stands at 19 days, according to the research, while online searches such as “what is my illness?”, “what are the symptoms for” and “side effects” have all risen sharply since the start of 2025.

While younger adults remain the most active users, adoption spans all age groups. More than three-quarters of people aged 18 to 24 regularly use AI for health-related searches, but more than a third of those aged 65 and over are also turning to the technology, most commonly to check symptoms.

The research suggests that many users believe AI tools are having a positive impact. More than one in 10 respondents said using AI helped their health condition “a great deal”, while a further two in five said it helped “somewhat”. Only a small minority said the technology had not helped at all.

Comfort and convenience appear to be major drivers. Almost half of respondents said AI is quicker than waiting for a doctor’s appointment, while nearly a quarter said they felt more comfortable using AI than having a face-to-face consultation. Among 18- to 24-year-olds, that figure rose to almost two-fifths.

Tom Vaughan, life insurance expert at Confused.com, said the findings reflect how rapidly AI has become embedded in everyday decision-making around health.

“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,” he said.

However, Vaughan warned that AI should not be seen as a substitute for professional medical advice.

“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.”

He added that life insurance and related products can provide an additional layer of reassurance for families navigating health uncertainty.

“For further health reassurance, applying for a life insurance policy can help safeguard families in case any health issues do occur. Critical illness and varied cover options can ensure people are supported in situations where conditions progress or require major treatment, easing stress during what can be an overwhelming time.”

Some insurers, he noted, now include access to virtual GP services as part of their policies.

“Some providers even offer virtual GPs as part of their life insurance offerings, giving policyholders access to a doctor whenever they need one via video or phone calls. Whilst they may not always be able to issue a diagnosis, they can help with prescriptions and referrals, giving you an efficient and convenient way of having a potential problem investigated quickly.”

The findings highlight how digital health tools are increasingly shaping consumer expectations — and the challenge facing healthcare providers and policymakers in ensuring technology complements, rather than replaces, professional care.