I'm this case it seems to have been ~6m outside the US (September to March). The issue with the reminder (which was supposed to have been sent 30d before ending service) seems key, since if that had worked the OP wouldn't have been surprised ("suddenly strikes") and would have had time to make other arrangements.
(Disclosure: I work for Google, speaking only for myself)
(Disclosure: I work for Google, speaking only for myself)