Artificial intelligence solutions are becoming the first stop for health support among Gen Z and millennials as adoption accelerates across the industry, according to a new survey from Aflac.
Seventy-six percent of Gen Z and 63% of millennial respondents in Aflac’s “2026 Wellness Matters” survey (PDF) report using AI first before seeking out professional medical care. The study drew insights from 2,000 employed U.S. adults from 18 to 65 years old.
AI solutions aren’t the only digital health tools in these respondents’ rolodexes either. Online search, medical websites and social media are used to manage health more than consulting healthcare professionals.
Matthew Owenby, Aflac Incorporated chief human resources officer and chief administrative officer, said in a statement the digital-first shift “isn't inherently negative,” adding that it depends on how information is used.
“What is alarming is the rate that Gen Z is delaying or forgoing preventive care, greatly lessening the opportunity for early detection or a critical health diagnosis from a medical profession,” Owenby said.
Sixty-five percent of Gen Z respondents and 61% of millennial respondents report skipping or delaying routine checkups and screenings, compared to 47% of Gen X respondents and 33% of baby boomer respondents.
For younger patients skipping or delaying preventive care, 35% of Gen Z respondents and 29% of millennials report not doing so because they feel healthy. Logistics is another barrier for such care, with Gen Z (51%) and millennials (48%) reporting it being the biggest hurdle. The survey cites scheduling differences and challenges taking off work as factors.
And, 42% of Gen Z respondents and 47% of millennials report worrying frequently or always about rising healthcare costs.
“Gen Z avoids screenings more often in general, likely due to age requirements for several of the screenings," the report said. “However, nearly 90% of those who have been diagnosed with cancer admit to avoiding a screening, emphasizing the potential need to encourage more screenings and younger age thresholds for them.”