The UM and CPAM of Hérault are committed to ensuring students have access to their rights and healthcare

[Press release] - Published on January 8, 2026 in Press Room, Environmental Issues and Social Responsibility

On Thursday, January 8, 2026, the University of Montpellier (UM) and the Hérault Primary Health Insurance Fund (CPAM) signed a framework agreement on access to rights and healthcare for students at the University Health Center (CSU). The official signing took place at the Institute of Botany in the presence of Philippe Augé, President of UM, Philippe Trotabas, Director of CPAM Hérault, and Agnès Fichard-Carroll, Vice President of UM in charge of training and university life.

This agreement marks an important step in strengthening the student health policy promoted by the University of Montpellier. It aims to improve access to healthcare in the long term, simplify administrative procedures related to health, and ensure more effective social rights for students in the region.

A strengthened partnership to address student health issues

Numerous studies highlight the persistent difficulties encountered by students in accessing healthcare. Financial constraints, lack of awareness of their rights, complex administrative procedures, and long waiting times to see healthcare professionals are all obstacles that can lead to people foregoing treatment and exacerbate social inequalities in health.

In light of this, the University of Montpellier and the CPAM (French social security office) of Hérault decided to establish a close and lasting partnership. Supported by the University of Montpellier, the University Health Center (CSU) plays a key role in providing primary care to students. It allows everyone to access consultations without upfront costs, thanks to full third-party payment, and offers comprehensive care combining general practitioners, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and physical therapists. The CSU also provides support with administrative procedures related to health, such as obtaining rights or accessing supplementary health insurance.

The agreement signed today formalizes the joint commitment of the CSU and the CPAM (French social security office) of Hérault. It defines an operational cooperation framework based on enhanced information dissemination, the implementation of simplified and priority treatment channels, and the development of tools and services dedicated to CSU professionals. This organization aims to improve coordination between stakeholders and streamline the healthcare pathway for students.

An innovative mechanism to guarantee the effectiveness of rights and reduce inequalities

Beyond formalizing a partnership, this agreement pursues concrete and structural objectives. It aims to guarantee the effectiveness of students' social rights, facilitate access to healthcare and prevention, and reduce situations where people forego healthcare due to administrative or financial difficulties.

Thanks to this scheme, students receive more personalized support in their dealings with the French health insurance system, particularly when it comes to establishing or maintaining their rights and accessing supplementary health insurance. The agreement also makes it easier to mobilize existing financial aid schemes to cover certain healthcare expenses and provide support to the most vulnerable students.

This collaboration is an unprecedented initiative at the local level and a first between the CPAM (French social security agency) of Hérault and the University of Montpellier in this field of action. By pooling their expertise and resources, the two partners are laying the foundations for a sustainable, replicable, and exemplary model of cooperation that promotes well-being, health, and success. It illustrates a shared desire to strengthen innovation, proximity, and the effectiveness of public policies in the area of student health.