In order to study the prevalence, structure and procedure of providing fee-based services to children we have carried out anonymous questioning of parents in medical organizations of Saint Petersburg. Despite the fact that they have medical insurance, 38.7% of parents in children's out-patient clinics have paid for consultations of specialized doctors, for laboratory and instrumental examinations. At a hospital 29.6% of parents were forced to pay for medications, lab tests, medical consultations of highly specialized doctors. The procedure of provision and payment for the medical services is often violated. We have noticed low legal activity of parents in acquiring knowledge about the rights of the child in the field of health protection. The main reasons for parents to choose the fee-based medical services were lack of an affordable free-of-charge alternative and shorter waiting time.