Chapka: Insurer Partner of Visamundi Since 2019

"I think tourism will continue to evolve and has become a vector for change, economic development, and bringing people closer together."

Yann Richard, Commercial Director of Chapka

When planning a trip, insurance may seem like a minor detail, yet it is essential for peace of mind. Chapka stands out as a major player in travel insurance, offering comprehensive solutions tailored to all types of travelers—whether you're a seasoned globetrotter, an expatriate, or a casual vacationer. As a partner of Visamundi since 2019, we sat down with Yann Richard, its Commercial Director...

Could you introduce yourself briefly, as well as Chapka and its core mission?

My name is Yann Richard, and I have been Chapka’s Commercial Director for the past four years. To put things in perspective, I joined Chapka on Monday, March 16, 2020— the day before the first lockdown—after spending many years in the tourism industry (Club Med in France and abroad, Asia, etc.).

Today, Chapka employs 52 people, all based in Paris. We are an insurance broker founded 22 years ago in April 2002 by Geoffroy Bonnet-Eymard, our CEO, who is still with us today. Five years ago, in 2019, the company was acquired by AON, an American broker that operates far beyond travel insurance. AON handles everything from damage coverage for SNCF trains and Lidl warehouses to the International Space Station, Mr. Musk’s satellites, and a wide range of businesses—covering damage, mutual insurance, employee benefits, and cyber protection, particularly for startups heavily involved in the internet space. We also insure hotel damages, for example, related to tourism, and Chapka specifically handles the travel insurance segment. We provide primarily travel insurance: cancellation coverage for pre-trip risks and assistance coverage for in-trip risks, which I’ll elaborate on since it’s central to our partnership with Visamundi. We also offer professional insurance, including civil liability for professionals, financial guarantees, and civil liability for executive officers—policies that businesses may require.

With 50 employees and 1.2 million policyholders, Chapka’s unique strength is that all our teams—including customer service (handling phone and email inquiries) and claims management (assisting clients with cancellation claims or baggage assistance)—are based here. This ensures exceptional responsiveness.

How did the partnership between Chapka and Visamundi begin?

I recall we first connected before the 2019 edition of the IFTM Top Resa trade show, during which we met. Visamundi wanted to integrate travel insurance into its visa services for travelers. We started with an affiliate partnership, and today we are fully integrated into the sales funnel.

What benefits does this partnership offer travelers?

I see several key advantages. First, there’s our expertise: you bring unmatched traveler insights, while we specialize in insurance products. Together, we can develop tailored solutions like the Cap Assistance Visa product, which allows travelers to obtain an insurance certificate when applying for a visa. Second is the technological aspect. With our strong IT infrastructure, we enhance the customer experience at Visamundi with seamless, efficient systems and robust security. Visitors to Visamundi can obtain both their visa and insurance certificate in one package, delivered smoothly and securely through efficient data transfer between both systems—crucial for a streamlined process.

Beyond the partnership, what are Chapka’s ambitions in the medium to long term with Visamundi?

One goal is exploring the Schengen Visa product, which has significant traffic and business potential. If Visamundi can expand distribution to countries outside the Schengen area, that would open new opportunities. We also see potential in business products such as Cap Mission and Cap Mission Tempo. To scale this up, we aim to increase volume through B2C and B2B initiatives. There’s a strong human connection too—relying on shared values and trust, we believe there are exciting synergies to explore together.

What do you see as Visamundi’s key value?

Multiple elements stand out. Their commercial dynamism is impressive. You also bring true visa expertise, which complements our insurance know-how. On top of that, the tools you offer and the security you provide align perfectly with our values. It’s clear we share a strong foundation.

Looking ahead over the next five years in a rapidly evolving tourism sector, what is Chapka’s vision?

Predicting five years out is tough, especially after the past four filled with Covid disruptions. We’ve always operated between crises—a trend I’ve noticed since September 11, 2001. I’ve been in tourism since 1987; there was the Gulf War in ’90-’91, 9/11, and since then, every crisis gets amplified by media coverage due to 24-hour news and social media. Today, even minor incidents have outsized impacts on traveler behavior, requiring us to stay agile.

Another major factor is runaway inflation. What was once a luxury is becoming exclusive again. Travel once democratized through charter flights is now reverting to luxury status—a divide that could widen between those who can afford to travel and those who can’t. But the tourism sector will evolve.

Will green, eco-conscious impacts be addressed? I believe the younger generation will drive this shift. Within our own team, we see attitudes shifting: “I take the train more than the plane”, “I bike or walk to work”. Meanwhile, while hot, trending destinations will always attract visitors, I foresee a rise in off-the-beaten-path travel. Major players like TUI will remain strong, cruise lines will thrive, and alongside them, many smaller, local, community-driven tourism businesses will flourish. Air traffic is at record highs, Airbus has never had so many orders—tourism remains a lever for change, economic growth, and cross-cultural connections across Africa (Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, etc.), driving business and revenue into these countries.

Tourism is now a catalyst for transformation.

How will these shifts impact Chapka directly?

The first impact? Over the last four years, travelers have increasingly recognized the need for travel insurance. Younger generations travel more frequently right after graduation or during gap years. Others switch jobs every three to five years but take extended breaks to travel. Long-term remote work’s effects remain uncertain—some thrive on it, others miss in-person collaboration and mentorship. Ultimately, while digital communication tools have their place, human connection in both travel and business is irreplaceable.

Thank you, Yann. Anything else to add?

In any case, travelers will always need visas! Even in Europe where visas aren’t required for many, countless countries still mandate them. The business model is solid. There’s so much more we can achieve together—we’ve started writing the first pages, and now it’s time to flesh out entire chapters, increasing integration and benefits for everyone involved. There’s absolutely no reason this shouldn’t work!

*Chapka offers a Work Abroad product, Cap Tempo Expat, promoted by Visamundi on its Nomamundi service.