depends on what your definition of “fleeced” is. while there aren’t many, there are still really cheap plans for emergency lines. i avoid contract carriers and only go with prepaid. haven’t used a contract carrier in over 10 years. there’s no point when you can go with an MVNO carrier that still use T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon networks anyway, so you get pretty much the same service as a contract carrier.
the only difference is MVNO carriers with cheap plans are based by the minute but if they’re emergency phones, then a bunch of minutes isn’t needed anyway. Redpocket and Jethro Mobile has some cheap, contractless plans if you’re in the US. I have an extra line for 500 minutes, text and data for $55 a year with Jethro Mobile. And another 200 minute line with Redpocket for $30 a year, however Redpocket has been enshittified lately and no longer has those plans for new customers. However, Jethro still has some promising cheap plans.