Over 40 Million Turn to ChatGPT Daily for Health Guidance

A recent report from OpenAI reveals that more than 40 million people use ChatGPT daily to seek health-related advice. The findings, published in January 2026, highlight a significant trend where AI tools are increasingly becoming a resource for navigating healthcare systems. The analysis of anonymised ChatGPT data indicates that over 5% of global interactions on the platform pertain to healthcare topics, predominantly focused on administrative and insurance-related inquiries.

The report underscores that many users turn to ChatGPT for assistance with non-clinical tasks. It estimates that between 1.6 million and 1.9 million messages each week address issues such as health insurance plan comparisons, billing questions, claims, eligibility, and cost-sharing. Rather than seeking medical diagnoses, users are primarily looking for help in organising their information, understanding complex terminology, and preparing necessary documents.

Increased Usage During Off-Hours

Timing analysis within the report reveals that a substantial portion of healthcare-related interactions occurs outside traditional clinic hours. Approximately 70% of these inquiries take place at night or during weekends, reflecting a clear demand for accessible health information when conventional healthcare services are unavailable.

Geographic disparities further illustrate the usage patterns of AI tools in healthcare. In rural and underserved regions, users generate close to 600,000 healthcare-related interactions weekly. Particularly in areas designated as ‘hospital deserts’—defined as locations more than 30 minutes from the nearest general hospital—AI tools recorded over 580,000 healthcare-related messages weekly during a four-week study period in late 2025. States such as Wyoming, Oregon, and Montana showed the highest engagement rates in these categories.

Healthcare Professionals Embrace AI Tools

The report also highlights the growing adoption of AI tools among healthcare professionals for administrative support. According to industry surveys, 66% of physicians in the United States reported using AI technologies in 2024, a significant increase from 38% the previous year. Nearly half of US-based nurses also reported regular use of AI, primarily for tasks like documentation, billing, and workflow management, rather than for making clinical decisions.

OpenAI has introduced a new benchmark called HealthBench, aimed at assessing the capabilities of AI systems in healthcare contexts. This benchmark is designed to enhance the ability of large language models to engage in meaningful and trustworthy health discussions with patients and clinicians. It evaluates seven critical areas, including emergency care, the management of uncertainty, and global health considerations.

The findings from OpenAI’s report paint a clear picture of the increasing reliance on AI tools for health-related inquiries. As the demand for accessible healthcare information continues to grow, the role of platforms like ChatGPT will likely expand, providing vital support in an evolving healthcare landscape.