The trend: Looking up health information is a top reason consumers use AI, but many are also turning to the tech for higher-stakes healthcare decisions and product purchases. Our recently published “AI Health Usage 2026” report explores these behaviors and their emerging impact.

Why it matters: Consumers are using AI to fill gaps in healthcare access. Among AI health users, 46% cited unaffordable doctor visits as a reason, and 44% noted difficulty reaching a provider, per March 2026 KFF polling. With round-the-clock free or low-cost information, AI offers an accessible alternative to traditional care. OpenAI and Microsoft have said that most healthcare queries on their AI tools occur outside typical medical facility hours, such as at night.

AI health guidance influences how people seek care from doctors.

• 73% of people who use AI for health advice changed their care decisions, per a May 2026 eHealth survey.
• Among them, 37% opted not to seek care, 30% sought care, and 6% changed existing care based on AI outputs.

At the same time, health AI is also guiding their purchasing behaviors. Among respondents to our May survey who sometimes use AI tools for shopping, 36% use them to shop for health and personal care items, including vitamins, second only to clothing (37%).

Key stat: Our data shows AI is rapidly gaining traction as a source of health information and advice. Among all AI functions, health is set to be our fastest-growing measured use case in 2026, up 50% YoY to 50.7 million people using AI for health information or to support their physical or mental health at least monthly.