20 year term life insurance is life insurance where the premiums are level for 20 years.  At the end of 20 years the premiums typically increase to the point of being unaffordable.  At that point we normally assume the policy would either be cancelled or converted to permanent insurance.

The 20 year time frame suits well for mortgage life insurance, and for families with young children.  The locked in nature of the premiums for 20 years ensures the coverage will remain affordable for the duration while we still have young dependents.

30 year term life insurance is available, however the premiums are roughly twice the premium of 20 year term.  As a result, while 30 year term may be preferable because the premiums are level for 30 years instead of 20, the premiums for 20 year term insurance are often preferred.

You can run 20 year term life insurance quotes using the online quotes on the top right of this page.