July 7, 2026, 7:58 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Every second German now uses artificial intelligence (AI) for health-related questions. This is shown by the current STADA Health Report, which was presented on Monday (July 6) at “BILD im Gespräch” in the Axel Springer building in Berlin. At the same time, it also becomes clear: Many still lack trust in the new technology. Many who use AI are also concerned about receiving a misdiagnosis.
Fifty-eight percent of all respondents (around 20,000 people between the ages of 18 and 99 from Europe) stated that their biggest concern was misdiagnoses by AI. Participants are also worried about the misuse of health data (45 percent) and fewer human interactions (42 percent). Interestingly, more than half (55 percent) would, under certain conditions, even prefer to be advised by AI rather than a doctor.
Dissatisfaction with the Health System Grows
What people hope for from AI in medicine: faster answers to health questions and better care for the chronically ill. Germans are also surprisingly open when it comes to data protection. Forty-one percent would be willing to release their health data for AI systems if it would improve diagnoses or treatment options.
There is a reason why Germans are so open to AI: Satisfaction with the German health system is declining. While 68 percent were satisfied in 2025, it is now only 63 percent. Before the coronavirus pandemic, the figure was even 80 percent. Sixty-nine percent of Germans cite a shortage of doctors and long waiting times as the country’s biggest health problems. Artificial intelligence seems to be a solution to these problems, even though 87 percent of Germans said they prefer to see their doctor in person rather than digitally.