40M Users Turn to ChatGPT Daily for Health Questions, OpenAI Reports

More than 40 million people have asked ChatGPT healthcare-related questions each day, reflecting a growing reliance on artificial intelligence to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, according to a report published by OpenAI. The data suggest that consumers are increasingly turning to AI tools for support with insurance, symptoms, and care-related information, particularly outside traditional care settings.

OpenAI reported that approximately 1.5 million to 2 million questions about health insurance are submitted to ChatGPT each week. These inquiries have included requests for help comparing health plans, managing claims and billing issues, and understanding healthcare pricing. The volume of insurance-related questions indicates that consumers are using AI to address administrative and financial challenges that remain persistent across the healthcare system.

Health-related interactions now account for more than 5% of all ChatGPT messages globally, translating into billions of messages each week. According to OpenAI, about seven in ten healthcare conversations with the chatbot have occurred outside standard clinical hours. This pattern suggests that many users are seeking information at times when healthcare providers are unavailable or difficult to reach.

Survey data cited in the report show that three in five U.S. adults have used AI tools for healthcare or health-related questions in the past three months. Among those respondents, 55% reported using AI to check or explore symptoms, while 48% said they relied on AI to understand medical terms or clinical instructions. More than 40% indicated they used AI to learn about treatment options.

The report also highlighted disparities in access to care, particularly for rural populations. Users in hospital deserts—areas located more than a 30-minute drive from a general medical or children’s hospital—sent an average of more than 580,000 healthcare-related messages per week to ChatGPT late last year. These communities often experience worse health outcomes and longer travel times to providers, contributing to higher demand for alternative information sources.

Despite increasing adoption, OpenAI noted that AI tools carry potential risks, including the possibility of incorrect or misleading responses that users may not easily recognize. At the same time, regulatory oversight of AI remains in flux. While states have introduced AI-related legislation nationwide, federal policy has moved toward deregulation, with recent executive actions calling for a national framework that could preempt state-level efforts.

Together, the findings underscore both the expanding role of AI in healthcare decision-making and the ongoing challenges related to accuracy, access, and governance.

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