Can I activate AppleCare Protection Plan after warranty expired?

Hey, guys!

So I've bought an iMac last year and a couple of days before warranty expired I also bought the AppleCare Protection Plan. I waited for the activation code to arrive on my e-mail but, since that didn't happen, I called Apple Support to see what was going on.

They told me that I'm not eligible anymore even though it says on their website that you are, as long as you buy it within the 1-year warranty. It says absolutely nothing about having to active it within that same period.

I'm not trying to extend my warranty longer than 3 years, like the rude girl at Apple Support insinuated. I just want Apple to play by their own rules and allow me to active it when the product arrives physically.

Anyone can help, please?