Has anyone else experienced this? Is it supposed to be part of the game or is it a bug? It usually happens to me after a early quest{twisted firestarter,etc}.
Any fix for this or ideas?

did it get turned off in the HUD options, under video?

No it did not............

oh...
try to verify/repair the game using the GOG Galaxy app, might not do anything but worth a try.

It doesn't appear when Geralt loses his health/stamina?

In my game, anyway - the hud/heath bar disappears if it is not in use. Like when you are just walking around with nothing activated. As soon as you draw your sword, or change/activate a sign - or if your Witcher Senses notice something - it activates.

I like that. Makes it easy to see the views.

If you want to activate it to see something, just roll your mouse button (which changes signs, by default).