Objectives To explore the existence of socioeconomic differences in probability and intensity of general practitioner(GP) and specialist contacts among the Belgian elderly population, compared with the younger population.Methods A nationally representative cross-sectional study based on 4,825 older (C65) and 14,738 younger participants(\65) in the Belgian Health Interview Surveys 2001 and 2004. Socioeconomic differences in contacts with a GP andspecialist were examined using two-part hurdle models; use versus nonuse by logistic regression, and intensity of use byzero-truncated negative binomial regression. Results The intermediate income group was more likely to contact a GP and tenants reported more GP contacts.Lower educated older persons were less likely to contact a specialist and household income seemed to play a role inthe intensity of specialist contacts.Conclusions The probability and intensity of general practitioner and specialist contacts among the Belgianolder population are mainly determined by sociodemographic and health status variables, but a certain degree ofinequity remains. The socioeconomic gradient differs in probability and intensity of contacts, indicating theadvantage of using a two-part model in investigating socioeconomic differences in healthcare utilisation.