A recent survey by the health insurance provider Pronova BKK suggests that almost one in three Germans is opting to skip a doctor’s appointment after consulting with a so-called “Artificial Intelligence” (AI). This finding was reported by the Funke Media Group newspapers. For their study, titled “AI Usage in Private Daily Life 2026,” the insurance carrier polled nearly 3,500 adult men and women across the country regarding their use of AI in areas such as relationships, parenting, and health.
The findings indicate that younger people are particularly inclined to seek answers and aid from AI. Nearly 90 percent of respondents aged 18 to 29 utilize AI for health-related questions. Furthermore, according to the health insurance provider, over half of these younger respondents have already obtained a diagnosis from language models rather than visiting a doctor.
The technology has also permeated older demographics: approximately one in four respondents over the age of 60 uses AI for health queries. Overall, 46 percent of all age groups consult ChatGPT and other language models for medical advice.
The survey revealed high user satisfaction with the tools, as 87 percent of respondents reported feeling positive about the advice they received. Many noted that AI provides comprehensive and easily understandable answers. Nevertheless, for many individuals, the traditional doctor’s practice remains the most reliable resource.
Anke Hurst, a consultant physician at Pronova BKK, issued a warning against placing blind faith in AI. While the explanations generated by these systems often sound highly convincing and give a reliable impression, AI can potentially deliver outdated, incomplete, or outright false information because it often draws upon unverified sources and obsolete guidelines.
