The UM and the Hérault CPAM 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 regarding access to benefits and healthcare for students at the University Health Center (CSU). The official signing ceremony took place at the Institute of Botany in the presence of Philippe Augé, President of UM; Philippe Trotabas, Director of the CPAM of Hérault; and Agnès Fichard-Carroll, Vice President of UM in charge of education 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 health-related administrative procedures, and ensure that students in the region can more effectively exercise their social rights.

A strengthened partnership to address student health issues

Numerous studies highlight the persistent challenges students face in accessing healthcare. Financial constraints, lack of awareness of their rights, the complexity of administrative procedures, and long wait times to see healthcare professionals are all barriers that can lead to people forgoing care and exacerbate social inequalities in health.

In light of this situation, the University of Montpellier and the Hérault CPAM sought to establish a close and long-term partnership. Led 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 paying upfront, thanks to full third-party payment, and offers comprehensive care involving general practitioners, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and physical therapists. The CSU also provides assistance with health-related administrative procedures, such as establishing eligibility for benefits or accessing supplemental health insurance.

The agreement signed today formalizes the joint commitment of the CSU and the Hérault CPAM. It establishes a framework for operational cooperation based on enhanced information sharing, the implementation of simplified and priority processing channels, and the development of tools and services dedicated to CSU professionals. This initiative aims to improve coordination among stakeholders and streamline the healthcare pathway for students.

An innovative approach to ensuring the effective exercise of rights and reducing inequality

Beyond formalizing a partnership, this agreement pursues concrete and transformative goals. It aims to ensure that students’ social rights are upheld, to facilitate access to healthcare and preventive services, and to reduce instances of people foregoing care due to administrative or financial difficulties.

Through this program, students receive more personalized assistance with their interactions with the national health insurance system, particularly regarding the establishment or maintenance of their coverage and access to the Solidarity-Based Supplementary Health Insurance. The agreement also makes it possible to better leverage existing financial aid programs to cover certain healthcare expenses and provide support to the most vulnerable students.

This collaboration represents a groundbreaking initiative at the local level and marks the first partnership of its kind between the Hérault CPAM and the University of Montpellier in this field. By pooling their expertise and resources, the two partners are laying the groundwork for a sustainable, replicable, and exemplary model of cooperation dedicated to well-being, health, and success. It demonstrates a shared commitment to strengthening innovation, community engagement, and the effectiveness of public policies regarding student health.