The aim of this study was to estimate racial disparities in access to private healthcare in South Africa. Statistics South Africa 2013 General Household Survey data constituting a nationally representative sample (n= 93 450) was used for estimation. Using medical scheme membership status as a proxy of access to private healthcare, binary logistic regression was conducted to estimate the odds of access to private healthcare
using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The estimated odds ratios show that the odds of access to private healthcare are higher among Whites, followed by Indians/Asians and Coloureds relative to Black African counterparts. Based on these results, racial disparities in access to healthcare can be addressed by implementing equitable healthcare funding mechanisms to attain the goal of universal health coverage.