The aim of the research was to assess the level of satisfaction and define key motives for using private healthcare services in Poland. The research was conducted in January 2008 among various social groups from five regions: Mazowieckie, Zachodniopomorskie, Śląskie, Lubuskie i Lubelskie. Author’s questionnaire was used as a research tool. Twelve hundred questionnaires have been distributed and 740 ones have been correctly filled out and submitted. The results were statistically analyzed. The surveyed use private healthcare services several times a year (the most common answer). The key reasons are better access, better quality services and poor opinion on public healthcare services. Most of the surveyed pays fee-for-service. Private healthcare services are more trustworthy, nevertheless both kinds of services enjoy comparable level of satisfaction.