Debt settlement does not work equally well for every kind of debt. The best debts for a debt settlement program are credit card debts and unsecured lines of credit. On the other hand, things like tax bills, student loans, and secured debts—such as your mortgage or car loan—cannot be included in a debt settlement program. Other debts, such as medical bills, fall into a gray area, and whether or not they can be settled will depend on your specific situation.