Objective To examine the demand for and utilization of outpatient services and their influencing factors among migrant population in Fujian province and to provide evidences for promoting health of the population and equalization of basic public health care.

Methods We extracted the information on 6 999 migrant people aged 15 – 80 years in Fujian province from the dataset of China Migrants Dynamic Survey conducted in May 2017 and analyzed the data using STATA 12.0 statistical software.

Results Among all the participants, 4025 (57.51%) reported the history of disease or perceived illness over the previous one year. Of the participants with the history of disease or perceived illness, 61.92% (n = 2 492) sought a medical services and 23.85% (n = 960) visited a doctor in local private clinics. The results of regression analysis indicated that the participants with the monthly family income of 5 001 – 10 000 yuan (RMB) and more were more likely to seek medical service when having disease or perceived illness compared to those with the income of ≤5 000 yuan (P = 0.009 and P = 0.011); whether participating in New Rural Cooperative Medical Scheme was a significant influencing factor for seeking medical service (P < 0.001) and selection of type of health care institutions (P = 0.004) when having disease or perceived illness; while, the participants participating in medical insurance for urban residents were more likely to have over-utilization of medical service (P = 0.030).

Conclusion The utilization of outpatient medical service is insufficient and mainly influenced by monthly family income, participation of medical insurance, and education level among migrant population in Fujian province.