Canadians Remain Cautious About AI in Healthcare, New National Study Finds
A comprehensive national survey conducted in February 2026 reveals that Canadians maintain significant reservations about using artificial intelligence for managing both mental and physical health concerns. The research, commissioned by Compare the Market health insurance experts, involved 1,005 respondents across Canada and provides detailed insights into current adoption patterns and attitudes.
Mental Health Support Shows Lowest AI Adoption
The study indicates that nearly six-in-ten Canadians (57%) never utilize AI chatbots for mental health support, demonstrating widespread hesitation in this sensitive area. Only 6% of respondents reported daily use of AI for mental wellbeing, though this figure rises to 13% among younger adults aged 25-34.
Frequency patterns show:
- 23% use AI chatbots monthly or every few months
- 14% engage with them weekly
- 6% utilize AI for mental health support daily
Anxiety and Stress Top Reasons for AI Engagement
Among those who do turn to AI for mental health assistance, specific concerns dominate the usage patterns. The research identifies anxiety as the primary reason, with 57% of respondents seeking AI support for this issue. Stress follows closely at 52%, while depression accounts for 40% of usage.
Notable demographic differences emerge: Women show significantly higher engagement for anxiety support, with 63% of female respondents using chatbots for this purpose compared to 52% of males. Younger Canadians aged 18-24 demonstrate the highest anxiety-related usage at 66%.
Physical Health Applications Show Similar Reluctance
The survey reveals even greater caution regarding AI for medical advice, with 49% of Canadians never using chatbots for this purpose. Only 5% consult AI daily for medical guidance, while 15% do so weekly and 31% monthly or occasionally.
Age plays a crucial role: While 81% of those over 75 never use AI for medical advice, this drops dramatically to just 33% among both 18-24 and 25-34 age groups.
Primary Uses for Physical Health Concerns
When Canadians do employ AI for physical health matters, they most commonly seek information about:
- Cold and flu symptoms (37%)
- Whether to consult a doctor (32%)
- Nutritional advice (31%)
Medical advice and general fitness guidance follow closely at 29% each, indicating that Canadians primarily use AI for preliminary information rather than definitive medical decisions.
Convenience Drives Limited Adoption
The research identifies key factors motivating those who do use AI for health purposes:
- 49% cite convenience and immediacy compared to doctor visits
- 41% value increased accessibility
- 37% appreciate affordability
Mixed Perceptions of AI's Effectiveness
Perceptions about AI's impact on health vary significantly among users. While 58% of men and 47% of women report positive health impacts from AI support, 42% of all respondents noted no effect whatsoever. A small minority (6%) reported worsened health outcomes.
Regarding comparative effectiveness with human professionals:
- 39% found AI therapy equally helpful
- 17% considered it more helpful
- 20% found it less helpful
- 24% remained uncertain
Expert Caution About AI's Role
Steven Spicer, Executive General Manager of Health at Compare the Market, emphasized the complementary nature of AI in healthcare. "People are increasingly turning to AI for health advice, and while these tools can deliver support quickly and at a lower cost, they should be used to complement, not replace, qualified practitioners," he stated in an official release.
The survey was conducted by PureProfile using rigorous methodology to ensure representative sampling across all Canadian demographics. The findings suggest that while AI adoption in healthcare continues to grow, particularly among younger generations, Canadians generally approach these tools with caution, preferring them as supplements rather than substitutes for professional medical care.
