Retiree health insurance (Bologna)

My understanding is that to obtain a permesso di soggiorno I must show proof of health insurance. I would like to hear from other retirees who have gone through this process what companies they have found that provide a reasonable value for such insurance.

In addition it is also my understanding that emergency care is a right of everyone that resides in Italy. For example if someone were seriously injured or had a heart attach (God forbid that either should happen) then the health care for such emergency situations is covered completely by the Italian health system.

If that is the case then health insurance seems almost irrelevant. It would seem much more cost effective to pay for the occasional doctor visit out of pocket than pay for health insurance. Please respond with any opinions or advice.

Grazie