OpenAI has said that more than 40 million users worldwide have asked ChatGPT questions related to healthcare and medical information, highlighting the growing role of artificial intelligence in addressing health-related queries, according to a report.
The San Francisco-based AI company shared user interaction data with Axios, revealing that healthcare-related queries account for over five percent of all messages sent to ChatGPT globally. A significant share of these questions reportedly comes from underserved rural communities, with health insurance emerging as one of the most common topics.
OpenAI said users ask between 1.6 and 1.9 million health insurance-related questions every week. These queries primarily focus on plan comparisons, claims and billing issues, and insurance coverage details.
The report also noted that around 600,000 healthcare-related questions per week originate from users in rural or underserved areas. Additionally, nearly 70 per cent of such conversations take place outside regular clinic hours, suggesting that users often turn to AI when professional medical services are unavailable.
OpenAI also cited findings from a user survey conducted in December 2025 among 1,042 adults in the United States.
According to the survey, 55 per cent of respondents said they use ChatGPT to check or explore physical symptoms, while 48 per cent rely on it to understand medical terms and instructions. About 44 per cent said they use the chatbot to learn about possible treatment options.
The data underscores gaps in access to healthcare information and services. While online search engines have long been used to look up medical information, complex terminology and the need for precise search terms can limit their usefulness. OpenAI’s findings suggest that conversational AI tools may be making health-related information more accessible to a broader audience.
However, concerns remain over the reliability of AI-generated medical information. With AI hallucinations still a known issue in 2026, experts warn that inaccurate or misleading responses could pose serious risks if users rely too heavily on chatbots for healthcare guidance.
OpenAI told the publication that it is continuously working to improve the accuracy and safety of healthcare-related responses. Still, the company acknowledged that preventing misinformation remains a critical challenge as AI tools continue to be adopted by a growing global user base.