Rural–urban disparity in health care: observations from Suzhou, China

•Rural–urban disparity in health care has been observed in China. A healthcare system reform and merger of the basic insurance schemes have been taken to eliminate the disparity.•A survey study was conducted in Suzhou to evaluate if such disparity still exists.•The rural subjects have poorer access to and utilisation of healthcare facility and a lower insurance utilisation rate. They also have lower treatment and total medical cost.•More effort is needed to eliminate the rural–urban disparity in health care in China.