Can I get life insurance for a specific period of time/

Yes, you can buy life insurance that will provide you with coverage for a specific period of time.

For example, term life insurance is temporary life insurance protection that lasts for a period of up to 30 years.

Term life policies are usually available for a "term" of 10, 15, 20 or 30 years of life insurance coverage.

Since the term life coverage is temporary, it costs a lot less than permanent life insurance which provides lifetime protection.

With term life you choose the length of your term to meet your needs. 

So, if you need life insurance for 20 years, you would choose a 20 year term life policy.

Here's how to learn more about term life insurance and how it works.