My two cats lost their Whole Pet plan and I found out at the worst time

I had Nationwide on both my young cats for two years at around $50 a month. I went to review coverage before taking one sick cat to the vet and discovered their Whole Pet plan had been discontinued at the end of December. I say I was not notified. I called several times, but I was told a new plan would require a waiting period. Meanwhile my cat needed serious cardiac testing estimated at over $5,000. I was upset and scared. What are people doing when an old plan goes away?